News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Gainesboro hopes to have a new stormwater system plan in place by the end of 2025.
Consulting Engineer Zeda Hillis told Aldermen Thursday night work continues with Tennessee Tech on developing a comprehensive master plan using grant funding. Hillis said the University has already sent representatives to survey the land.
“We’ve had surveyors up here with GIS getting all those located to know where all your infrastructure is at,” Hillis said. “And then they are going to be preparing, with the contract you have with Tennessee Tech, they will be presenting you with a masterplan, a Stormwater Master Plan, to show where the issues are.”
Hillis said the master plan will include monitoring of creek and stream levels. Hillis said data loggers have been installed in the surrounding area and are being checked weekly. Hillis also said the city will receive updates on the progress every month and can contact her for further questions.
“At the end of this grant process, they will present the town with that stormwater master plan, which will give you something to build on so you’ll have a basis,” Hillis said. “The plan itself we can use later to present to get additional grant money.”
Hillis said they are currently working on an Asset Management Plan. Hillis said that the plan will identify all of the city’s assets, highlight the most critical ones, and include a schedule for tracking their depreciation. Hillis said an official application for the Asset Management Plan has not been submitted, but will come soon.
“The way the state talked, the SRF (State Revolving Fund) money and some additional grant funds would be available later on,” Hillis said. “Because they want every entity to have an Asset Management Plan.”
In other business, Police Chief Michael Smith said he plans to repair the two non-functioning red lights this month. The city’s mayor approved a decision to reserve the town hall exclusively for city business, prohibiting its use for public events.
Work on the 2026-27 annual budget will begin in March.
