The small town of Bell Buckle, TN is about to see improvements with their water system... Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers announced approximately $2 million in low-interest loans for clean water and drinking water infrastructure improvements. Of that money, a portion will go to Bell Buckle.

Improved water and wastewater infrastructure is critical for improving water quality and protecting public health.

A construction loan for the Town of Bell Buckle on the outskirts of Rutherford County in nearby Bedford County will total $325,000. Further, the entire loan for Bell Buckle comes with principal forgiveness. The loan is part of the State Revolving Fund Loan Program. Tennessee's Revolving Fund Loan Program maintains priority ranking lists for both the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

"We are pleased to assist local communities with resources to improve infrastructure," Lee said. "These loans will help keep Tennesseans safe and bolster quality of life for citizens in these areas."

The construction loan to Bell Buckle will complete the Main Street water line replacement project. The project includes replacing the aging cast iron mainline that serves 20 percent of the town's population. The project is funded with principal forgiveness as part of TDEC's effort to better address the needs of small and disadvantaged communities. The loan has a 20-year term with no interest.