UCDD In DC Highlighting Need For American Rescue Plan Flexibility

UCDD has met with its U.S. Representatives and Senators over the past two days in Washington D.C. to address American Rescue Plan concerns.

Executive Director Mark Farley said the focus was on explaining how our counties are being held back because of spending restrictions. Farley said they emphasized spending needs beyond water and sewer, saying the region needs to able to improve roads, bridges and solid waste.

“I feel like it’s been a very successful trip, we’ve been able to address quite a few issues,” Farley said. “Our delegation was very receptive to everything that we had to say. Hopefully, they’ll follow up with the administration and make those changes.”

Farley said the hope is the delegation can work with the Federal Treasury while the regulation writing process continues. Farley said this is a universal issue across Tennessee.

“There’s always a give and take anytime you have new legislation,” Farley said. “Because there’s always unknowns of that affects local communities.”

Farley said this is not something that can be resolved in a single day or meeting. He said it is not that Upper Cumberland Mayors and their governing bodies do not need to improve sewer or water infrastructure, but they need flexible options.