Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber recently approved a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist in infrastructure improvements in the southeast portion of Polk County.

The funds will be used by Ocoee Utility District to construct a water line extension to occupied households in the southern portion of the county. Funding for the $790,380 project will include $290,380 in local funds. The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

The project will provide water lines to unserved portions of the following roads: Boanerges Church, Old Fort, Ladd  Springs, Hildebrand, Ed Kirksley. Around 4.5 miles of new water main will be installed, along with almost 3,000 feet of service lines. When completed, 150 homes will have access to public water, and 124 may qualify for a meter tap at no charge. Seven hydrants are included.

The grant was approved following an application by Polk County and has the support of County Mayor Mike Stinnett and Sen. DeWayne Bunch and Rep. Eric Watson.  Sen. Lamar Alexander, Sen. Bob Corker and Congressman Zach Wamp aided in securing the funds.

 "I'm very pleased that Polk County will receive these much needed funds," Rep. Watson said "These funds will bolster growth and development at the local level."

"I'm thankful that the Citizens of Polk County has received this half of million dollar grant, " Sen. Bunch said " These funds are needed for economic development and will help many homeowners as well."

Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.