Sevier County awarded $15,000

NASHVILLE, TN - Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Betsy Child have announced that Sevier County will receive a $15,000 recycling equipment grant to purchase containers for its program. “I’m pleased to support recycling efforts in these communities,” said Governor Bredesen. “These funds will play an important role in our state’s ongoing strategy to encourage recycling and reduce the amount of solid waste that goes into landfills across Tennessee.” Sevier County is receiving one of 26 recycling equipment grants totaling $518,458 the state is awarding to counties, cities, non-profit recycling organizations and solid waste authorities. Recycling equipment grants will be used to purchase equipment for new recycling programs, improve and expand the operation of an existing site or prepare recyclable materials for transport and marketing. Recipients are required to match the state grant on a sliding scale basis. “These grants enable local communities to develop recycling and diversion capacity so they can achieve and maintain their target goals for waste reduction,” said Commissioner Child. “Providing tools, resources and support for local officials is an important way the state can contribute to the increased effectiveness of a region’s solid waste management program.” Sevier County was supported throughout the grant evaluation process by Sen. Raymond Finney and Reps. Richard Montgomery and Joe McCord. “I am very grateful for the fine efforts made by Commissioner Betsy Child and the Department of Environment and Conservation and for the outstanding work they do for Tennessee,” said Sen. Finney. “We are always pleased to see grant money like this come through for our communities. Recycling can be a very efficient way to reduce the volume of the waste stream.” Reps. Montgomery and McCord agreed, stating, “This grant is great news for Sevier County and we look forward to seeing these funds implemented into our recycling program so that we can continue to make the best use and reuse of all our resources. Our local leaders who consistently look out for the best ways to preserve natural resources deserve much appreciation.” Waste Reduction and Recycling Equipment grants were authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and are supported from the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund that is administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation. The Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund receives its revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee on new tires sold in the state.