County eyes new grant for water line
Anderson County will try again next year to secure grant funding for a stalled water-line extension project off U.S. 25W north of Clinton that would serve 71 homes.
The original effort fell apart in 2020 because of soaring construction costs.
Mitch Loomis, economic and community development director for the East Tennessee Development District, updated the Anderson County Commission during its Monday, Nov. 17 meeting.
He said the county had to return its initial grant after bids came in far higher than expected, but he plans to reapply for new funding on March 27, citing improved construction rates.
The original proposal would have extended water lines to homes on Buchanan Lane, Savage Garden Road, Foust Lane, Collins Gap Road, Justin Road and Hines Creek Road through a federal Community Development Block Grant.
But contractors’ bids came in about $1.5 million above the county’s expectations, largely because of concerns about “unknown rock” along the route and because contractors at the time had abundant work created by the American Rescue Plan.
“So contractors could charge whatever they wanted because they had so many jobs,” Loomis said. “It wasn’t wise to throw out that kind of money.”
Even after the county scaled back the project, the lowest bid remained about $1 million over budget, forcing the county to shelve the effort.
Loomis said the county will again pursue either state or federal grant funding for the project in March. He noted that the scope may change and not all previously included roads might be part of the new plan.
He also told Commissioner Tim Isbel that extending a line into the New River area could be considered this time.
The topic resonated with New River resident Odis Phillips, who spoke later in the meeting.
He has long pushed for help getting clean water for his home, citing contamination concerns tied to past mining activity. He said he has received little assistance from the Anderson County Water Authority, and urged commissioners to intervene.
“When I went to pay my taxes, I looked it over and I was not exempt from paying taxes,” Phillips said. “Why am I exempt from getting water put up there?”