In October 2010, the City of Dyer received notice that it was the recipient of a $408,828.00 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This Federal grant will be used to complete much needed improvements at the Dyer Wastewater Treatment plant. Some improvements include purchasing and installing new aerators, rebuilding sludge drying beds, rebuilding the influent pump station, performing maintenance to the grit removal system, and replacing the electric motor control panel. The city's obligation of this grant will be approximately $30,772.00 which will be funded from capital reserves. The improvements are scheduled to begin February 2012 and will be completed by October 2012.
Dyer Wastewater Plant Manager William Caton said of the grant, "This grant will make possible very costly improvements that are much needed. These improvements will reduce operational costs associated with treating wastewater. "
Mayor Sam Thompson said, "I would like to thank Randy Nelson, grant writer, and the city's engineer, Ed Hargraves, for helping the City of Dyer to attain this $408,828.00 CDBG grant. The city's wastewater plant was constructed in 1980. Some of the systems for treating wastewater have become obsolete. These improvements will increase the operational standards of our wastewater system and help to improve the quality of wastewater that is discharged in the environment."
The City also received word in November 2011 that it would benefit from a Delta Regional Authority grant originally awarded to Gibson County. After applying and receiving the grant, the County Government was unable to use grant monies awarded, and City Recorder Jason Griggs began investigating if the grant might be transferred to the City of Dyer and how the City might use the grant funds. Griggs said, "This is a 100% grant with zero matching dollars -- which is absolutely wonderful for the ratepayers in the City of Dyer!" The grants funds will be used to complete water and sewer line extensions on North Main St and will directly benefit the West Tennessee Expo Center and other expected developments in that area.
West Tennessee Expo Center Director, Rhonda Casey said, "What a tremendous blessing it is that the City of Dyer received this 100% grant. This grant will completely fund the needed improvements to the Expo property. It goes without saying that having available water and sewer service is vitally important for the Expo Center to host events and be successful. I would like to once again thank the City of Dyer, the Dyer Industrial Development Board, Gibson County Government, and the Delta Regional Authority for helping to make our dreams a reality."
Dyer Industrial Board Chairman Dr. Bob MacAlexander said, "The Industrial Board is grateful to everyone who worked to secure this totally unexpected grant for improvements to infrastucture around the West Tennessee Expo Center site. The improvements will benefit not only the Expo Center, but also homeowners and other new developments in the surrounding area.".
The Dyer Water and Wastewater System provides services to more than 2,400 ratepayers in and around the City of Dyer. The City of Dyer won the TAUD Region 8 (includes 10 counties in West Tennessee) "Best Tasting Water Contest" in April 2011.
