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The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has awarded the City of Johnson City a $2 million grant to upgrade the Sinking Creek Pump Station. This grant requires the City of Johnson City to provide $3.8 million in matching funds, which will be generated from debt-funded bonds that have yet to be issued.

Written by the staff of the First Tennessee Development District along with the assistance of the Northeast TN Regional Economic Partnership, the grant will allow the City to complete an extensive upgrade to the sewer pump station to extend its useful service life for another 25 years. This project includes the replacement of the existing three pumps and drives as well as an addition of a fourth pump and drive. It will also include the addition of an influent screen and building, a new standby generator, and electrical and site improvements to address current capacity considerations at the sewer pump station.

“With this grant we can move ahead with a project that will not only help existing businesses expand and attract future growth to the area, but one that also provides a benefit to our customers,” said Water and Sewer Services Director Tom Witherspoon.

This Sinking Creek Pump Station serves a significant number of residents and businesses in South Johnson City and is the largest sewer pump station in Johnson City’s sewer system. This project will accommodate the future expansion at Crown Laboratories for its operations and enable the community to attract future growth. 

The project is currently scheduled to begin the final phase of design later this year. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 and last for up to two years.