By Ben Lawson
ben@seymourherald.com
Some Seymour residents can look forward to better water quality now that a federal grant has been approved for Sevier County.
A $400,000 Community Development Block Grant has been approved by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty. CDBGs are awarded to assist in infrastructure improvements and will be used to install a water line on Sugarloaf Road.
“Community development is essential in growing the economy and creating a business friendly environment,” Hagerty said. “CDBG grants allow communities to take the steps needed that will ultimately encourage existing businesses to expand and future companies to relocate and invest in Tennessee.”
Sevier County’s grant application was backed by County Mayor Larry Waters, Sen. Doug Overbey, Rep. Richard Montgomery and Rep. Art Swann.
“Sevier County had to specify particular areas that would meet the criteria for this type of grant,” said Perrin Anderson, communications coordinator.  “These types of CDBGs are awarded to low-to-moderate income areas that have poor water quality.”
The $827,250 cost of the project will also include $427,250 in local money to supplement the federal funding, which U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe helped secure from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The Tennessee General Assembly authorized the process.
“As we work to make Tennessee the number one location in the Southeast for high quality jobs, the proper infrastructure must support existing and future businesses,” Haslam said. “I am pleased the state of Tennessee is able to partner with our local communities to make these projects a reality.”

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