Sparta Targeting Water Line Replacements With State ARP Money

Sparta wants to target waterline replacements though its state American Rescue Plan money.

The city has been allocated about $1 million for water and sewer improvements. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said the city is currently creating the scorecard required to utilize the funds.

“We’ve identified enough streets that need water line replacement,” Hennessee said. “We know about what it should cost to replace those streets. We try to align that as closely as we can with the allotment.”

Hennessee said the water line replacements would line up with the city’s paving schedule. While water lines replacements are the priority, Hennessee said the scorecard may show a different need.

“It’s a standard way for TDEC to look at what water and sewer infrastructure needs the community has along with the financial health of the utility district,” Hennessee said. “They’ll help you do one at anytime, but the TDEC portion of the ARPA money requires the scorecard to be done before any decisions are made on the funding.”

Once it is complete, the city will submit the lists of projects to the state. Then, TDEC would need to approve the project in order for funding.

“To maximize the grant, we would have to spend about $150,000 to provide the match required on that,” Hennessee said.

Hennessee said a combination of department heads and the city recorded are forming the scorecard.