Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Newport Utilities needs wastewater
Members of the Newport Utilities Board were told Tuesday that the utility needs new industry that will produce wastewater. The board was told that in recent months industrial wastewater has been reduced and as a result the Wastewater Department has seen a loss in it's operation revenue. Plans are to bore under the Pigeon River to expand the capacity for wastewater from the City Park area. Until recently the utility was capable of handling only 400 gallons per minute but the expansion project will expand the area served to 500 acres and have a capacity of 1,600 gallons per minute, addressing issues during heavy rains. General Manager Glenn Ray did report that local job recruitment is looking up. He told the Board that state Commissioner Randy Boyd of the Department of Economic and Community Development has been in the county twice in the last month for talks regarding a planned 700 acre industrial park. He said there are few other counties with the available acreage for the development of that size park. Plans also are being developed to put water to two industries in Chestnut Hill. But Ray says the expansion does not include wastewater. The Tennessee Department of Transportation plans to let bids for the Newport Bypass in October, 2017. The board also was asked to review a proposed strategic growth plan for Cocke County, which has been prepared by Leadership Cocke County , ad which currently is being reviewed by both the Newport City Council and the Cocke County Legislative body. Newport Planner Gary Carver said the proposal fits in with the Governor's Rural Economic Development Plan. He said the plan provides a blueprint for issues that must be addressed if the community is to progress. The board is expected to be prepared to unveil a plan to provide fiber Internet service to the community by December or January. Finally the board approved employee policies with regard to social media and conflict of interest issues. Board Attorney James McSween told the members they have a duty to be loyal to the utility and it's policies.


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