Monterey Considering Applying For $600K Grant

The Monterey Board of Aldermen is considering applying for a $600,000 FEMA grant to fix its storm water drainage system.

Grant Writer Dawn Kupferer said flooding caused by the storm drain issue has caused thousands of dollars in damage each year.

“This could really address issues for city property, businesses, and residents,” Kupferer said. “I really feel like he’s really taking it serious, and he’s really going to focus on this one area.”

Kupferer said she has advised the board to apply sooner rather than later to not miss out on the grant’s limited funds. The aldermen will discuss in October’s meeting if they can afford the town’s match on the grant.

Kupferer said newly elected Mayor J.J. Reels has been vocal about the issue for two years.

“The incoming administration, Mayor Reels, has spoken about the storm water issue for the last two years as he’s been on the city council as alderman,” Kupferer said. “Now that he’s mayor, he’s had several conversations with Warner and Associates, the engineers that’s working on the project.”

Through the years, many small Tennessee communities did not have strong drainage ordinances. Kupferer said Monterey has too many buildings compacted together.

“We’re sitting on a flat rock up there in Monterey and we have a lot of issues where the water hits the ground, hits all that rock, and then floods residents and city businesses in the downtown area and some of the parks as well,” Kupferer said. “It causes damage and it causes thousands of dollars of damage every year.”

Kupferer addressed the grant opportunity during the city council meeting earlier this month.