2007 TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR-8. Water project

It took several grants, a significant investment by Warren County Utility District, support from a number of local, state and federal officials, and even a trip to Washington D.C. by County Executive John Pelham, but the $3.7 million project to pump water atop Harrison Ferry Mountain has been fully funded, and construction is slated to begin possibly as soon as 90 days.

Gov. Phil Bredesen’s approval of the final $500,000 grant needed from the state was announced Dec. 6, ironically on the same day that Sen. Jerry Cooper, who was instrumental in getting the funding for the project, submitted a letter to the governor announcing his plan to retire from his senate seat.

‘I’m very pleased the state of Tennessee can offer this financial assistance to Warren County for its water system improvement project,’ Bredesen said.

Cooper, who has been a strong proponent of the Harrison Ferry water project, noted it had been a team effort.

‘This is the fruits of a concerted effort toward development in Warren County and is truly encouraging,’ Cooper said. ‘This CDBG grant represents a significant step of progress in the economic potential of our community.’

The grant was approved following an application by Warren County which had the support of County Executive John Pelham, Cooper, state Reps. Charles Curtiss and Judd Matheny. Also aiding in obtaining the grant were U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, and Congressman Lincoln Davis.