Madison Co., JEA get millions in grant money for waterway upgrades

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — The county got a big boost Wednesday as it received millions of dollars in grant money from the state to reinforce the area’s waste water system.

Jackson Energy Authority received the $13.3 million grant Wednesday afternoon from the Tennessee Economic and Community Development commissioner.

Officials say the money will help make sure the system runs smoothly even in the case of emergencies.

“A lot of times we’ll have a line that may get washed out because of this heavy inflow of water, and so by having dual lines, that will give us an opportunity to have continued service in the event that one of our lines gets washed away,” JEA President and CEO Jim Ferrell said.

Madison County also is receiving money from the grant for flood plane and waterway restoration around the Forked Deer River.

In all, the grant totals $44.5 million and will fund 10 projects in four counties.