WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2205

Water - As introduced, requires the department of environment and conservation to add water system projects located in counties having a population of less than 57,000 according to the 2020 census, or a subsequent census, to the priority list for consideration for loans from the water system revolving loan fund. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 221.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

Tennessee bill prioritizes water infrastructure loans for counties under 57,000 residents, directing state revolving funds toward rural water system projects.

Placed on cal. Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee for 3/24/2026
#water
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2205

Legislative bill overview

HB 2205 requires Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation to prioritize water system infrastructure projects in counties with populations under 57,000 (based on 2020 or later census data) for loans from the state's water system revolving loan fund. The bill amends the existing water financing statute to establish this population-based priority criterion.

Why is this important

Rural and small communities often struggle to secure funding for critical water infrastructure repairs and upgrades due to limited local tax bases and competition for state resources. By prioritizing these smaller counties, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to state-subsidized financing for essential utilities that affect public health and economic development in less populous areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Geographic favoritism: The 57,000 population threshold creates a specific cutoff that benefits certain counties while potentially disadvantaging slightly larger rural counties facing similar infrastructure challenges
  • Loan fund depletion: Prioritizing one demographic group may reduce available funds for other projects, potentially affecting larger municipalities' ability to address urgent water system needs
  • Equity questions: The bill doesn't address whether smaller counties have greater infrastructure needs or barriers to funding, raising questions about whether population size alone is the right metric for prioritization

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.