BCUD given funding to extend water lines

A $360,000 Community Development Block Grant announced by the state last week will fund Bedford County Utility District water line extensions serving 38 families.

"I think all the commissioners are very pleased with it," said BCUD general manager Marty Davis.

The grant, combined with $240,000 in local funds, will allow water lines to be run on Coffee Road and Robinson Road and to be extended on Moulder Road and Haskins Chapel Road. Davis said the total project includes a new line on Ted Haskins Road as well.

The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Davis said it will take some time to complete all of the paperwork so that the actual funds can be released to start the project.

"It's still going to be a while before it's done," said Davis. "There's a lot more paperwork and everything that has to go."

Utilities like BCUD have a formula for determining whether it is financially feasible to extend service to a particular rural area. In sparsely-populated areas, there may not be enough customers, and future revenue, to justify the expense of adding service. A grant can allow construction of water lines which would otherwise be unworkable from a financial standpoint.

"The grants awarded through this program provide funding needed to maintain and update community resources and improve the overall economic and environmental health of Tennessee," said Gov. Phil Bredesen in a news release. "I'm proud the state of Tennessee can provide funding to communities to help spur economic growth and create jobs."

"These grants are evidence of the state's commitment to helping our communities prosper," said Tennessee Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Matt Kisber in a news release. "CDBG grants help increase our state's economic edge and provide opportunities for our communities to improve their overall economic development strategies."