Overton Considering Water Access Expansion with ARP Funding

Water access in Overton County could see longstanding issues resolved through American Rescue Plan money.

County Executive Ben Danner said up to $6 million in work extending water or improving infrastructure are being considered.

“We’ve got some areas at Dry Hollow and some places in Rickman and some other places,” Danner said. “For years the county has tried to get grants to get them water but there’s not enough houses per mile.”

Danner said the ice storm this year showed infrastructure improvements needed for utilities in Cravenstown and Hanging Limb. He said the county would like to purchase generators to assist utilities there.

“When the power is out they don’t have a way to get water up there,” Danner said. “So we’re gonna try and work with them and try to get some generators put in where during a power outage we can get water up to the top of the hill.”

Danner said the first portion of the ARP money is in the bank and the second portion is eligible for use to cover the 30 percent match required. Danner said whn he came in office, he learned this was an issue that county executives tried to remedy for nearly 30 years.

“If they’ve got wells that are good that’s fine but some people have to carry water,” Danner said. “So this is a one time opportunity to get water to areas that have never gotten it.”

Danner said this could keep utility rates from increasing as well. He said typically when utility districts have to add infrastructure, they have to raise rates.