Franklin County adopts resolution to seek $3.74 million in TDEC‑administered ARP water and wastewater funds
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Summary
The county adopted Resolution 2a-0223 authorizing Mayor Juan Guess to apply to TDEC for $3,737,963.38 in ARP funds for water/wastewater asset management and improvements in collaboration with three local utilities, with Franklin County pledging 15% matching shares for each partner drawn from its ARP allocation. The resolution passed by roll call, 16–0.
At a special called meeting on Feb. 7, 2023, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 2a-0223 to amend a prior resolution and authorize the mayor to apply for Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) funds made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).
The resolution authorizes a non-competitive application to TDEC for $3,737,963.38 to support asset management plans and water/wastewater infrastructure work in collaboration with three local utility providers: Belvidere Rural Utility District, Center Grove–Winchester Springs Utility District, and Sewanee Utility District. The resolution records each utility’s total project cost and the 15% local match amounts; the county agreed to provide its portion of each 15% match from the county’s ARP allocation.
Specific project figures listed in the resolution are: Belvidere Rural Utility District total project cost $1,350,683.46 (15% match $202,602.52); Center Grove–Winchester Springs Utility District total project cost $1,860,677.74 (15% match $279,101.66); and Sewanee Utility District total project cost $2,128,586.48 (15% match $319,287.97). The resolution directs the county mayor to execute and submit the application and to enter into necessary agreements to receive and administer the funds if awarded.
The text in the county packet notes that Franklin County does not itself operate water or wastewater systems and therefore is applying in collaboration with the named utilities. The resolution was moved and seconded, recorded as sponsored by Commissioners Bauer and Shetters, and adopted by roll call (16 ayes, 0 nays) as shown in the minutes.
The resolution authorizes the mayor to proceed with grant application and associated agreements; the packet and resolution set no additional county appropriations beyond the stated matching amounts to be provided from the county’s ARP allocation. Further steps noted in the resolution include submission of required documentation to TDEC and execution of award agreements if the grant is made.