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Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau made the announcement that the funds had been approved Aug. 17.
Tue August 22, 2017 - National Edition
Two Tennessee communities, a utility district and a water authority will receive more than $22 million in low-interest loans to improve water and wastewater infrastructure.
Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau made the announcement that the funds had been approved Aug. 17, Environmental Protection reported.
The funds for these projects will come from The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which has provided more than $1.8 billion low-interest loans since 1987, and from the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program, which has provided over $300.5 million in low interest loans since 1996.
"The State Revolving Fund Loan Program helps citizens enjoy a better quality of life by assisting communities with current and future infrastructure needs for improved environmental health," Haslam said.
According to Environmental Protection, communities, utility districts, water and wastewater authorities have the opportunity to get loans through these programs at interest rates that are lower than they would through a private venue. In addition, loans that use EPA grant funds may also include a principal forgiveness component. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is in charge of The Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program, to which EPA contributes grants. In addition, the state provides a 20 percent match, Environmental Protection reported.
"Clean water is the lifeblood of our communities," said Martineau. "Investments in our drinking water are essential to maintaining environmental and public health."
The loans will go toward a total of five projects, including: