By Joel Spears

CHURCH HILL —  The announcement by Governor Phil Bredesen of a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to Hawkins County has given officials the green light to construct a $1 million water storage tank in East Hawkins County.

Alan Jones, general manager of First Utility District that will oversee the project, said the tank will have a two million gallon holding capacity and be built on Jefferson Avenue in Church Hill.

“This tank will be used in addition to the half million-gallon tank already located at the site,” Jones said.  He said the addition is necessary for extra storage due to a continued increase in eastern Hawkins County’s population.

The project will benefit customers in Church Hill, Mount Carmel, the Surgoinsville Utility District, New Canton Utility District, northeast Hawkins County and several Kingsport residents.

 “Once the tank is online, it will offer customers better fire protection and improve overall service to industries in our coverage area,” Jones continued.

Funds for the $1 million project will include $500,000 in local money.
 
While the tank will be constructed at the same time First Utility completes its new water treatment plant, Jones said it is a separate project.

“We hope to have the new tank built by the end of the year,” he said.  “It will be served by the new water system, but we plan to have it online before then.”   
                              
The grant was recommended following an application by Hawkins County Commission with support from County Mayor Crockett Lee, Sen. Micheal Williams, Rep. Dale Ford and Rep. Michael Harrison. U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Congressman David Davis also aided in securing the funds.

 “These grants are crucial components of economic growth in Tennessee’s 50 Appalachian counties, and we appreciate the ARC’s investment in our communities,” the governor said.

“Improvement projects like this one prepare our region for industry arrival and expansion, and grant funding is what makes these projects possible,” Sen. Williams added.

“This grant will make a great difference in the quality of life in this community, and we all appreciate the ARC’s involvement in our efforts to improve,” Rep. Harrison also added.

Allocation of ARC funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known.

The recommended project will now be forwarded to Washington for review and approval. The Department of Economic and Community Development administers the ARC program in Tennessee.

The program provides resources to help leverage community development and economic growth opportunities in Tennessee’s Appalachian communities.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

The commission is a unique partnership composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government.

 For more information, visit www.arc.gov.