By Ryan Lewis
Correspondent
KIMBALL, Tenn. -- The plan to build a regional wastewater treatment facility in Marion County already has reached its first major hurdle.
The Marion County Commission voted to seek grants for the facility in January.
At the February meeting of the Kimball Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mayor David Jackson said government officials originally had told him that his town could get 75 percent of the money they would need to contribute to the project through a grant.
However, he was recently told that only 45 percent of the money necessary would be committed through federal funds.
Officials estimated that Kimball would have to pay between $750,000 and $800,000 if only 45 percent of the money came from a federal grant.
"I think this is a good opportunity for all the towns to work together," Mr. Jackson said. "I think it's something we've needed for a long time. If we cannot do any better than 45 percent, though, I don't think it's going to happen."
Mr. Jackson said that Kimball's share in a 75-25 split would be about $350,000.
The regional facility project is being supported by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, but to get any grant money for it, officials said construction has to be ready to begin by the end of September.
"There are lots of things to consider," said Alderman Mark Payne. "It's going to take more than a minute to do this."
Officials in Kimball fear that if the regional facility plan falls through, they'll be left with a monumental problem. They currently are tied to the problematic South Pittsburg sewage treatment facility.
"They've told us if something else happens (at the treatment facility in South Pittsburg), they'll have to shut their pumps off," Mr. Jackson said. "We can't afford to shut business down. Not only will it affect the town, but it will affect the county sales tax. A good chunk of that comes from South Pittsburg and Kimball."
Mr. Jackson said he hopes soon to meet with federal and state representatives to encourage them to commit 75 percent of the grant money.
Also, Kimball's aldermen decided to examine contingency plans if they are left without a regional sewage facility.
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.