NASHVILLE – State Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) and Representative Pat Marsh (R-Shelbyville) today announced Bedford County will receive two grants totaling $1.2 million for water infrastructure projects. The grants are being awarded to the towns of Bell Buckle and Wartrace.

“I am pleased to announce Bell Buckle and Wartrace are receiving grants for critical water infrastructure projects,” said Reeves. “These projects will bring upgrades to wastewater systems as well as drinking water infrastructure, supporting residences and businesses alike. I am very appreciative of TDEC as well as our local officials for securing the funding for these much-needed projects.”

The grants are among 102 grants totaling $232,709,981 awarded by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to improve water infrastructure. Since August, TDEC has awarded and announced $634,404,544 in grant funds through American Rescue Plan (ARP) programming.

“Reliable and safe water infrastructure is essential for creating economic opportunity and enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” Marsh said. “These grants will address critical needs in our rural, Bedford County communities and ensure our citizens have access to dependable, safe drinking water and reliable sewer systems. I appreciate TDEC’s continued partnership and strong support for these very worthy projects.”

The grants are as follows:

Town of Bell Buckle – $587,437

The Town of Bell Buckle will leverage ARP, EPA, and capital funds to address critical wastewater needs, capacity, and significant non-compliance. Bell Buckle's wastewater project will utilize data from a comprehensive flow monitoring system to identify areas of excessive inflow and infiltration. the reduction of excessive inflow and infiltration will significantly reduce overflows and restore capacity at the Bell Buckle Wastewater Treatment Plant and provide additional capacity within the collection system.

Town of Wartrace – $637,105

The Town of Wartrace will use ARP funds to modernize, improve, and strengthen water infrastructure through three drinking water projects. Projects will focus on creating and implementing a comprehensive Asset Management Plan as well as reducing water loss.