The towns of Greeneville and Bulls Gap are among the recipients of $23 million in state Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) announced Tuesday.

Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty recently approved the grants to assist with infrastructure improvements in Tennessee.

Greeneville will receive $500,000 for sewer plant improvements.

Bulls Gap will receive $240,363 for the Bulls Gap Volunteer Fire Department.

Greeneville's project, totaling $657,900, will include $157,900 in local funds.

The project involves replacement of the head works at the Greeneville Water Department's wastewater treatment plant, according to Doug Carver, water department engineer.

The head works are located in the area of the plant where wastewater enters and is screened to remove paper and a variety of other large items, Carver said.

The existing head works are approximately 30 years old, which is resulting in larger items bypassing the screening area, Carver said.

Carver expressed thanks to the Greeneville residents who participated in a survey to help obtain the grant funds.

Bulls Gap will use its GDBG funds to purchase a fire truck and other fire equipment such as pagers, turnout gear for firefighters and air packs, according to Mayor Bill Grubb.

The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly, according to a news release from the governor.

"As we work to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs, the proper infrastructure must support existing and future businesses," Haslam said in the release.

"I am pleased the state of Tennessee is able to partner with our local communities to make these projects a reality."

State Rep. Jeremy Faision, R-11th, of Cosby, also praised the announcement.

"This is great news for our community and something I have been working on with officials in Nashville for some time," Faison said.

"Not only will this boost our local infrastructure, but it will help attract investment to some areas in need," Faision added.

"Companies are coming to Tennessee because they know we are serious about creating a positive and supportive environment for them. Today's announcement furthers that commitment."

The Greeneville grant was approved following an application by the town and has the support of Mayor W.T. Daniels, Sen. Steve Southerland, R-1st of Morristown, State Rep. David Hawk, R-5th, of Greeneville, and state Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-11th, of Cosby.

Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, R-1st, of Johnson City, aided in securing the funds, the release stated.

The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

A list of recipients can be found at http://news.tn.gov/node/8062.