TDEC Announces $232 Million in New Water Infrastructure Grants from American Rescue Plan Funds

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced on Wednesday a series of new grants for localities “in the form of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grants.” The $232 million in grant funding will come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), also known as COVID Stimulus Package. Tennessee was originally given nearly $4 billion from the ARPA to combat the effects of COVID-19.

Governor Lee touted the announcement as a boon for local water districts. “These grants will address important water infrastructure needs for local communities across Tennessee. We look forward to the improvements these projects will bring, and we commend the communities who have gone through the application process,” he said in a statement.

Read the full story

Anti-Regulatory Overreach Bill from State Representative Justin Wilmeth Passes Through House Floor

Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix) announced that his bill, House Bill (HB) 2254, aimed at restricting the state from enacting overreaching regulations, passed through the House Floor on Tuesday.

“Burdensome regulations can lead to higher prices, fewer small businesses, and fewer jobs,” said Wilmeth. “HB 2254 says legislative approval would be required before high-cost rules could be implemented by the state.”

Read the full story