Monterey Receives Grant To Extend Waterlines

Monterey has received federal funding to extend waterlines to Interstate 40.

Mayor Bill Wiggins said the town received more than $300,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Wednesday.

“We have looked at Exits 300 and 301 and just salivated at the economic potential for commercial development out there,” Wiggins said. “This is big time, especially for Exit 300.”

Vice Mayor Starlett Wessels on Wednesday thanked Governor Bill Lee and the ARC for supporting the town’s economic growth.

“Our committee, staff, and fellow elected officials have taken a proactive approach to improving Monterey’s infrastructure and this project is an important component in our comprehensive plan,” she said.

Monterey’s current waterlines end at Hardee’s on Highway 70. Wiggins said this project will extend the lines to Bee Rock Road, just off Highway 70.

“Currently, that part of Highway 70 and down to Phifer Mountain is serviced by a line that crosses under I-40 at the end of Poplar Street,” Wiggins said. “We will abandon that and this project will really adjust the flow out to Highway 70 and Phifer Mountain.”

Wiggins said the project will also provide water to a number of vacant properties in the area.

“There’s another feature to this also. In that trench that will house the water line, Monterey will also be laying a dummy sewer line,” Wiggins said. “So when we get notice of economic development, Monterey will then undertake an effort to activate a sewer line out there also, at least to the city limits.”

Wiggins said his administration will begin working with engineers to get a bid package underway.