State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Representative Kent Calfee (R-Kingston) announced today that the City of Harriman and Roane County will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) for a combined total of $837,910. Harriman will receive $525,000 that will be used for water system improvements, while Roane County will receive $312,910 for fire protection services.  “I am pleased Roane County and Harriman will receive these major grants and appreciate the excellent work by our local officials in helping to secure the funds,” said Senator Yager, who strongly supported the application.  “Only 38 percent of applicants received a grant.  Clean water and the proper disposal of waste water are important to public health.   Fire protection is also critical to our community.  This kind of infrastructure is very important to the well-being of our citizens and to the overall economic development of our county.”

The funds were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.  ECD administers the grant program based on priorities set at the local level where community needs are best known. “The investment made by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in our communities is excellent news for our residents,” said Representative Calfee. “The funds will help improve their health and overall quality of life, as well as meet some of the critical needs of our growing region.”