Sewer Expansion Project – HUD Special Appropriations Grant
One significant project now underway is the Special Appropriations HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Grant. Many of you are already familiar with this initiative, as we’ve shared updates over the past two years. Although the project faced a lengthy timeline and many hurdles, it is finally becoming a reality.
This grant will allow the city to extend the sewer system to areas with failing septic systems, particularly where properties lack the space for septic repair or replacement. This improvement will provide much-needed infrastructure support to affected residents.
Scope of Work:
New sewer lines will be installed along the following streets:
West Hill, Church, West College, West Morgan, North Morgan, Young, Filo, Miser Station, North Farnum Street (extending into the school to connect to the pump station)
The construction phase is expected to take up to six months. Due to Friendsville’s naturally rocky terrain, occasional delays or equipment changes may occur. Crews will aim to work on one street at a time, but may temporarily shift to another location as needed. We appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this process.
How Will the Sewer Project Affect Your Home?
If the new sewer line runs past your property, here’s what you need to know:
- Do I have to hook up? Not at all. A tap will be placed in your yard as part of the grant.
- Sewer Improvement Fee: As the state requires, a $22.00 monthly sewer improvement fee will be added to your utility bill once the line is available to your property.
- Connection Costs: The cost of connecting to the sewer system has increased significantly due to the increase in post-COVID material and labor prices. What once averaged $5,000 now typically costs around $10,000.
- Financial Assistance: The City is working with HUD to develop a grant program to assist eligible residents with sewer connection costs. More details will be shared once the contract is finalized and the program is ready to launch.
TDEC/ARPA Grant (in partnership with Blount County Government):
- Update on the TDEC/ARPA Grant project, conducted in partnership with the Blount County Government. This critical infrastructure project will rehabilitate asbestos water lines in the downtown Friendsville area.
This work will coincide with ongoing sewer line installations in some locations, so some overlapping construction activity is expected. The new water lines will be installed either in front of or behind the existing lines, which will remain in place.
Please note that the project may experience delays due to potential material availability issues. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to improve essential services and infrastructure.
TDEC/ARPA Grant (in partnership with Blount County Government):
- This is an update regarding the upcoming meter replacement project. The current Hersey Meters have exceeded their expected lifespan, and many have experienced battery failures. With over 320 meters affected, customers have received minimal charges.
In response, we are moving forward with replacing the Hersey Meters with the new MasterMeter system. This new system will significantly improve billing accuracy and customer satisfaction. The project is currently in its final stages of approval, and we anticipate a green light for commencement in mid-May.
We are confident that the MasterMeter system will be a valuable upgrade and look forward to its positive impact on operational efficiency and service reliability.
HUD Sidewalk Grant:
The city is pleased to announce that the upcoming sidewalk improvement project has received grant funding. This initiative will enhance downtown walkability and safety by connecting all downtown streets with new sidewalks. The sidewalks will be constructed within the utility right-of-way, alongside the new water lines that are currently being rehabilitated and replaced.
The project is expected to go out to bid in June, and construction could begin as early as July.
LPRF (Local Parks and Recreation Fund) Grant:
- Update on one of the city’s most anticipated projects, funded by the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grant. This grant will support the development of a pavilion and green space in downtown Friendsville, creating a vibrant and welcoming area for community gatherings, events, and everyday enjoyment.
The grant was awarded in 2020, but due to the impacts of COVID-19, the project was temporarily put on hold. We are excited to announce that work has resumed, and the project is currently in the design stage. Upon completion of the design phase, the project will move forward to the bidding stage for construction.
Contact Information
For more information regarding any of these projects or grants, please contact City Hall at 865-995-2831. Our office staff will be happy to assist with your questions.