State Representative Dan Howell joined with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and other key state departments in announcing a $25,000 grant for the City of Ducktown in Polk County.
The city, along with the Southeast Tennessee Development District, will use the grant funding to install green infrastructure in the form of tree wells, pervious pavers, and bioretention cells to improve Spruce Street’s stormwater drainage while also addressing water quality with the added benefit of making the street more attractive and accessible to pedestrians.
“By applying creative designs and green technology, Ducktown can improve water quality for the people of our community while also working to achieve long-term sustainability of our utility systems,” said Rep. Howell. “We must do all we can to protect and maintain our water sources for future generations, and I am grateful to see this grant funding be awarded to Ducktown.”
The Green Development Grant Program provides funding through a competitive process for a wide range projects, including rain gardens, green roofs, pervious concrete applications, trees and tree boxes, along with a variety of other unique sustainability programs.
This grant cycle represents the fourth time the Green Development Grants have been offered to local governments. The grant awards announced today join efforts in the cities of Athens, Chattanooga, Lakeland, Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville, Farragut, Morristown, and the University of Tennessee which were part of the 2008, 2012, and 2013 funding initiatives, with projects ranging from pervious concrete parking installation to a Low Impact Development Design Competition.