Gov. Lee, Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter Announce $7.4M in Infrastructure Planning Grants
January 22, 2026 - NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the 24 recipients receiving funding through the Infrastructure Planning Grant (IPG) program.
The $7.4 million in funding is part of the Rural Economic Opportunity Act and will assist communities and utility districts across Tennessee with long-term planning for their water and sewer systems.
“Critical infrastructure is the foundation communities need to attract new jobs and investment,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank the General Assembly for funding this program and congratulate the 24 grantees for taking the necessary steps to strengthen local infrastructure and plan for future growth.”
The IPG program is open to utility systems that serve distressed counties and rural communities on the financially distressed utility system referral list. Funds can be used in the following program categories: water system mapping and modeling, water system analysis, sewer system mapping and modeling, sewer system analysis, asset management related activities and regionalization studies.
“The grants announced today will enable 24 Tennessee communities to leverage additional grants and funding that will better prepare them for future economic development opportunities,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “Congratulations to the communities receiving $7.4 million in funding. We look forward to seeing how these projects drive long-term growth and success statewide.”
The grants awarded include:
| Bloomingdale Utility District | $ 370,000.00 |
| Brownlow Utility District of Johnson County | $ 500,000.00 |
| City of Elizabethton | $ 500,000.00 |
| City of Friendship | $ 100,000.00 |
| City of Lexington | $ 400,000.00 |
| City of Livingston | $ 114,712.50 |
| City of Lobelville | $ 200,000.00 |
| City of Newbern | $ 400,000.00 |
| City of Portland | $ 400,000.00 |
| City of Red Boiling Springs | $ 500,000.00 |
| City of Ridgely | $ 474,600.00 |
| City of Smithville | $ 249,375.00 |
| City of Sneedville | $ 482,500.00 |
| City of Tennessee Ridge | $ 200,000.00 |
| Erwin Utilities Authority | $ 500,000.00 |
| Iron City Utility District | $ 199,500.00 |
| Minor Hill Utility District of Giles County | $ 190,000.00 |
| Town of Bethel Springs | $ 84,787.50 |
| Town of Chapel Hill | $ 160,000.00 |
| Town of Linden | $ 210,000.00 |
| Town of Rogersville Water Department | $ 194,800.00 |
| Town of Toone | $ 200,000.00 |
| Town of Tracy City | $ 500,000.00 |
| Town of Trezevant | $ 200,000.00 |
Applications from communities and utility districts were based on comptroller eligibility, and these systems have been referred to the Board of Utility Regulation (formerly the Utility Management Review Board or the Water and Wastewater Financing Board) because of their net position, non-revenue water or high levels of debt. For more information, visit here.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.