Cookeville To Extend Sewer To Rebecca Place Area

Cookeville taking the next step in extending sewer services to the Rebecca Place and Bunker Hill Road annexation area.

Water and Sewer Quality Control Director Barry Turner said when the area was annexed, the city promised sewer would be extended within 20 years. He said that 20-year mark is coming up in January 2027. He said including ongoing construction, some 140 units in the area will receive sewer.

“That’s one thing that encourages people to come into the city, so they can have sewer,” Turner said. “That’s a big plus to a lot of people. As far as… it’s not a money-making deal by any means because you have properties there that, probably, for the most part, have good working septic.”

Turner said the system has the capacity to take on the additional load and the neighborhood’s proximity to the sewer plant helps out too. He said construction costs are not included in this year’s budget, but he hopes to have the project bid by this time next year.

“We’ll get the engineer involved and get the design done,” Turner said. “Based on that design, we may have to acquire some easements. After we get to that point, acquiring those easements, we’ll put the project together to bid and try to get a contractor to do the work.”

He said some of the existing septic field lines could be causing problems for people working on their property. He said those field lines can also limit the size of a home given lots can handle. He said the city is content with the area remaining on septic, but would rather fulfill its promise.

“There’s some vacant property in that area as well,” Turner said. “I don’t really know of a lot of people that’s having septic issues, but, like I said, it was promised sewer, so we’re committed to having to get sewer to those people.”