Tennessee Governor Bill Lee approved $36.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which will assist communities with infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, and health and safety initiatives.

The allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level. The CDBG program is funded through HUD and administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Funds are available for water and sewer improvements, housing rehabilitation, health and safety projects, and other improvements to enhance the quality of life in Tennessee’s rural communities.

In addition to traditional community improvement and safety projects, funding was also made available for community development projects, such as sidewalk and walking trail improvements, street paving, and community centers.

Local and area communities receiving the grants include:

Crab Orchard – $200,000 for street improvements

Crossville – $630,000 for ADA Greenway trail

Livingston – $450,000 for renovations to the wastewater treatment plant

McMinn County – $630,000 for improvements to Bicentennial Park

Monterey – $315,000 for sewer system improvements

Overton County – $545,330 to revitalization of the fairgrounds

Pickett County – $357,280 for emergency medical service improvements

Rhea County – $630,000 to the multipurpose community outreach center

Roane County – $420,000 for fire service improvements

White County – $423,086 for emergency medical service improvements

Each was supported by the community’s senator and representatives in the Tennessee General Assembly.