The City of Columbia is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $758,681 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). This federal grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by TNECD, will support major drainage and infrastructure improvements in East Columbia aimed at resolving long-standing flooding issues at the intersection of 9th Street and South Main Street.
“This $758,681 grant award is a welcome surprise. It’s in keeping with one of City Council’s strategic planning goals regarding upgrading infrastructure,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “The funds will be put to good use since the stormwater drainage infrastructure underneath E 9th and S Main Streets is aged and needs replacing.”
The 2025 CDBG Columbia Drainage Improvements Project will cover the cost of replacing deteriorated drainage pipes, restoring and stabilizing the adjacent drainage area, relocating water and sewer lines, moving utilities fully into the public right-of-way, and significantly enhancing stormwater capacity to manage both current and future runoff. These improvements will address chronic flooding, reduce utility disruptions, protect local waterways by decreasing trash inflow, and strengthen overall infrastructure to better support economic development in the surrounding area.
Mayor Chaz Molder noted that this award reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to securing grants that lessen the financial burden on taxpayers. “Columbia continues to aggressively pursue state and federal funding opportunities to improve our infrastructure while protecting local taxpayers,” said Mayor Molder. “This project is another strong example of how we leverage outside resources to invest responsibly in our community’s future.”
The City of Columbia will provide additional details regarding construction timelines and next steps as the project progresses. City leaders remain committed to improving essential infrastructure, strengthening community resilience, and continuing to pursue grant opportunities that ensure taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
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