TN.gov Newsroom

 Funding Will Help Train the Next Generation of Drinking Water Professionals in Tennessee

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that 10 communities and three utility districts have been approved to receive low-interest loans for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from a combination of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the State Revolving Fund Loan Program. Forty percent of the funding is in the form of principal forgiveness, which does not have to be repaid.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Historical Commission is accepting grant applications for historic preservation projects for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. These grants, which are federally funded, will be available after October 1, 2009.

NASHVILLE – Burgess Falls State Park and Natural Area in Sparta will host its fifth annual Butterfly Garden Celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. A variety of educational programs will be offered in the award-winning Native Butterfly Garden and surrounding park for this event.

Applications Available for 2009-2010 

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Red Clay State Park will host its 27th Annual Cherokee Days of Recognition festival August 1-2, featuring traditional Cherokee dance, food and arts. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. each day and run until approximately 5 p.m. The festival is open to the public. While admission to the event is free, there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle or motorcycle.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold an additional series of public meetings in late July to discuss the Tennessee Recreation Plan, which identifies opportunities for statewide recreation. The public is invited to attend and provide input about the plan.

EPA Awards $77 Million for Clean Water and Drinking Water Projects Across Tennessee

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Tennessee $77 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for clean water and drinking water projects across the state. 

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that Tennessee will receive more than $4.6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use toward clean-up activities at approximately 44 leaking underground storage tank sites across the state. Most of the sites are already known to have had a release of petroleum to the environment and many still contain petroleum underground storage tanks that have been abandoned by their owners without being properly closed.