State Rep. John Ragan announces $1.38 million for water infrastructure projects in Rocky Top

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, today announced that the city of Rocky Top will receive a $1.38 million grant to improve water infrastructure. 

The grant, administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), is among 43 grants totaling $203.2 million from the state’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) fund.

Rocky Top, alongside Anderson and Campbell counties, will receive $1.38 million, as well as funds transferred from Anderson County, to develop a comprehensive asset management plan and address the critical needs of water loss and excessive infiltration and inflow into its sewer system. The city will rehabilitate 33,000 linear feet of sewer lines through pipe bursting, cured-in-place pipe lining, open cut repair and manhole lining.

“It’s vital that our communities have the necessary infrastructure in place to support residents and local businesses,” Ragan said. “This funding will help address existing issues and better prepare for future needs. I appreciate TDEC’s continued partnership and support.”

Tennessee received $3.7 billion from the ARP, and the state’s Financial Stimulus Accountability Group dedicated $1.35 billion of those funds to TDEC to support water projects in communities throughout Tennessee. Of the $1.35 billion, approximately $1 billion was designated for non-competitive formula-based grants offered to counties and eligible cities. The remaining funds will go to state-initiated projects and competitive grants.

About Brad Jones

BBB Communications Owner/Operator Brad Jones has been part of the company since August 1996. A graduate of Coalfield High School in 1987, Brad later earned his degree from the University of Tennessee College of Communications in 1995, where he was honored with the 1995 Broadcast Production Student of the Year Award. Brad began his broadcasting career while still attending college, working at Shop at Home, Inc. from 1993 to 1995. He later worked at Via TV (RSTV, Inc.) from 1995 to 1996 before doing freelance production work in Nashville. In August 1996, he joined the staff at BBB Communications, where he has remained ever since. In 2001, Brad also spent a short time working as a news photographer for WVLT-TV while continuing his role at BBB TV. In addition to his work in local broadcasting, Brad also works part-time at Jewelry Television and works with Packman Productions on “Rivalry Thursday” during football season. Brad is married to Nicole Jenkins Jones, a 1990 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. Nicole works at Oak Ridge Gastroenterology Associates. Together they have three children: Trevor Bogard, Chandler Jones, and Naomi Jones, along with three grandchildren: Carter Bogard, Lucas Hayward, and Adalynn Reece Bogard.

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