In keeping with the recent million dollar federal grant to Macon County, Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs, the State of Tennessee has added their own million dollar contribution. Half of the million will go to Macon County to extend water lines to five areas of the county which currently are not served by the county's water utilities. The other half will go to the city of Red Boiling Springs to replace the main water line that services the city.

Like the first million dollar grant, the second will be used to develop new water systems, such as those mentioned above and a water line between Red Boiling Springs and Lafayette, that will facilitate the increased water needs of the Nestle Waters bottling facility, as well as make possible new resident housing and industry along Highway 52 between Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs.

The new water line between Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs will serve as a back up water system for Nestle, who predict their own usage as being in the neighborhood of 870,000 gallons of water per day. For example, if for any reason on any given day, Red Boiling Springs is unable to satisfy Nestle's specific water needs, then Nestle can get the water it needs from Lafayette.

Lafayette Mayor, Jimmy Driver, says Nestle will cover any costs not otherwise covered by the state and federal grants for these water line improvements.

According to Glen H. Donoho, Macon County Executive, a new pumping station also will be built to ensure that Nestle Water's has sufficient supplies.

The $500,000 checks were presented in two parts by Governor Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community development Commissioner Matthew Kisber. The first check was presented to Glen H. Donoho, John Cook, Vernon Biggs and State Senator Mae Beavers, representing Macon County. The second check was presented to RBS Mayor Randel Gregory, Ray Bilbrey, Shirley Russell and State Senator Mae Beavers, representing the City of Red Boiling Springs. The ceremony took place on November 4th in Nashville. Governor Bredeson said, "Through these grants, we are providing communities with the tools they need to make needed improvements. It will allow them to become more competitive in recruiting business, which will in turn improve the overall quality of life of its citizens."