Cumberland Using Approved State Funds For Utility District Needs

Cumberland County using some $5.6 million approved by the state to create Asset Management Plans for its utility districts.

Mayor Allen Foster said with six utility districts in the county, there is a huge need to keep track.

“As a county, we worked with the city of Crossville, they’ve been good partners, and we were able to get them well over $1 million for several projects to work on too, so all the money is really helpful,” Foster said. “It’s a drop in the bucket honestly of what’s needed right now, but we’re thankful for everything the state’s doing right now in that area.”

Foster said the funds will also help with the expansion and completion of around 12 projects which address drinking water needs. Projects include replacing asbestos cement water lines, water line installation, rehabilitation, extensions, standpipe constructions, and water tank rehabilitation.

Foster said the next steps will be to have further discussions with utility districts on how to spend the money. He said the county simply serves as a conduit, and the priority projects are decided by the utility districts that are on the front lines for needs.

“It depends on when the waterlines were put in as far as if it’s asbestos but that’s something that you either remediate or leave it, you don’t disturb it,” Foster said. “But there are needs all across this county on things like that, I&I, and all kinds of different needs. So like I said, we’re just very thankful for the state to come through with that type of funding.”