Friday morning it was announced Brighton was the recipient of a $244,873 community development block grant for drainage improvements.
CDBG funds assist communities with infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitations and health and safety initiatives, said Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe.
“We’re very thankful we got it and we won’t have to use our tax dollars to make these repairs,” said mayor Sarah Crocker.
The grant will be used to begin phase two of removal and replacement of the deteriorated storm water drainage infrastructure in the city limits of Brighton.
Brighton has had complaints about its drainage problems for more than a decade. Residents consistently complain about sinkholes in their yards, for instance. In the last two years the town’s elected officials have worked with engineers to map out the problems and find a solution.
“The pipes have just eroded,” Crocker said. “It’s something about the soil in West Tennessee.”
She said the town’s engineer believes problems began with the inlets.
“Hopefully we can get those fixed and then have a few more years before we have to replace all of the pipes.”
Stormwater drains, she said, will also be included in this phase of improvement.
The work will take place in the Woodlawn Plantation subdivision.
Crocker said the town has just finished bidding out the first phase of the project, which is the replacement of inlets and pipes in Woodlawn Plantation which were worse than those in the second phase. Phase one was funded through an imminent threat grant, Crocker said.
Thursday, the Marshall Road project was finally wrapped up and the road reopened. A culvert under the roadway washed out several months ago and the town took out a loan to pay for its reconstruction.
The second part of the Woodlawn project is in the environment review phase. Crocker expects it to go out for bid in early 2020.
No construction is expected to begin on until next year.
“Infrastructure is very important to the well-being of our citizens and the economic development of our county,” said Senator Paul Rose. “We appreciate Governor Lee and Commissioner Rolfe for their assistance in acquiring this grant, as well as our local officials for their work on securing these needed funds. We were pleased to support it.”
“It is important that our local infrastructure continues to be updated and improved as our community grows,” said Rep. Moody. “Now with this much-needed grant funding, we will be able to remove our storm drains and replace them with new models. Congratulations to our local elected officials and leaders on securing this competitive grant funding, and I will continue to support your efforts in the General Assembly.”
“I applaud the communities that were chosen to receive CDBG funds and for taking the necessary steps to prepare for future economic development opportunities,” Rolfe said. “I am so pleased that these 66 communities are working hard to create economic growth and a better living environment for the citizens that reside in these communities.”
The allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level. The CDBG program is funded through HUD and administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Funds are available for water and sewer improvements and new extensions, housing rehabilitation and health and safety projects.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
