RECOVERY PLAN 

STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS

2021 REPORT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

GE N E R A L OV E R V I E W

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................4

 

USES OF FUNDS............................................................................... ......5

PROMOTING EQUITABLE OUTCOMES............................................................7 

 GOALS..................................................................................................7 

 AWARENESS............................................................................................8 

 ACCESS AND DISTRIBUTION..........................................................................8 

 OUTCOMES.............................................................................................9 

 NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS......................................................................9 

 

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES.................................9 

 INTENDED OUTCOMES...............................................................................10 

 GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION...............................................10 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT......................................................................10 

LABOR PRACTICES.................................................................................11 

USE OF EVIDENCE.................................................................................11 

TABLE OF EXPENSES BY EXPENDITURE CATEGORY........................................13 

P R O J E C T I N V E N T O R Y

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPENDITURES................................................................14 

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS/PHYSICAL PLANT CHANGES.............................................14 

 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES........................................................................15 

 SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES..........................................................................15 
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NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS EXPENDITURES............................................16 

AID TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS............................................................. 16 

 AID TO TOURISM, TRAVEL OR HOSPITALITY......................................................16 

 AID TO OTHER IMPACTED INDUSTRIES............................................................17 

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES.........................17

 HEALTHY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS: OTHER................................................17 

 HOUSING SUPPORT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING......................................................17 

HOUSING SUPPORT: OTHER HOUSING ASSISTANCE.............................................18 

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: OTHER....................................................18 

WATER AND SEW ER INFRASTRUCTURE EXPENDITURES...................................19

CLEAN WATER: DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER...............................................19 

 CLEAN WATER: STORMWATER....................................................................20 

 DRINKING WATER: TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION..........................................20 

REVENUE REPLACEMENT EXPENDITURES.....................................................21 

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENDITURES..............................................23 

 

PERFORMANCE REPORT & PROGRAMMATIC DATA.........................................24 

 
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GENERAL OVERVIEW 

EX E C U TI V E SU M M A R Y

Knox County is committed to creating opportunities for every resident to thrive in an engaged 

and vibrant community and focuses on three top priorities in support of this commitment: 

The County has suffered many of the same negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as 

faced by other communities across the country. Funding provided through the State and Local 

Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Program will be used to enhance recovery efforts and support 

Knox County’s unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for all residents to live in a 

diverse and engaged community focused on economic stability, health, and quality of life. 
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US ES O F FU N D S

The County intends to use SLFR funds to support a strong and equitable recovery from the 

COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn through funding projects in the public 

health, negative economic impacts, services to disproportionately impacted communities, water 

and sewer infrastructure, and revenue replacement categories. 

PUBLIC HEALTH

The County will undertake a variety of projects that directly respond to the COVID-19 

pandemic. In partnership with the City of Knoxville, capital funds will be used for the purchase 

of a building to house an urgent care psychiatric facility where it is expected that 70 to 80% of 

patients receiving services will be uninsured or covered by TennCare. Capital dollars will also be 

used to fund additional capacity for a Mobile Meals kitchen providing low-income seniors over 

500,000 meals per year. Additional capital dollars will be expended to ensure judicial services 

are available and effectively administered for county residents. Over the course of the pandemic 

mental health issues and substance misuse disorders have increased substantially. As 

socioeconomic disadvantages are known contributors to poor mental health and substance 

misuse, the County is funding nonprofits providing treatment, at no cost, to over 2,500 residents. 

NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS

In response to the negative economic impacts brought on by the pandemic, the County will fund 

projects that support the hard-hit industries of tourism and arts and culture. SLFR funding will 

provide grants to nonprofit agencies working within the arts and culture industry to aid in their 

pandemic recovery as well as capital funds for Zoo Knoxville. Additionally, funds will provide 

grants to nonprofit agencies working to further the administration’s goal of creating opportunities 

for every resident. Organizations serving historically underserved, marginalized, or adversely 

affected groups will be prioritized for funding. 

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

Socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have been disproportionately impacted by the 

pandemic. The County will utilize SLFR funds to support projects benefitting low-income 

children, seniors, and households throughout the county. These projects will add to current 

programs undertaken through the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Funds. The County is 

managing the joint City of Knoxville/Knox County ERA program and has, to date, provided 

approximately $5 million in direct rent and utility assistance to eligible renter households. 

Additional housing stability programs have been funded and are provided in partnership with 

numerous nonprofit agencies. These programs focus on community engagement, ensuring stable 

housing, eviction prevention, and the provision of legal services. Projects funded through the 

County’s SLFR funds include art education programs for low-income children; capital funds for 
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an affordable housing subdivision developed by Knoxville Habitat for Humanity; and programs 

provided by Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee to help seniors maintain 

independent living and access critical health services. 

WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE

The County will utilize SLFR funds for both stormwater projects managed internally and water 

and sewer infrastructure projects undertaken by local utility providers. Funding provided through 

the SLFRF Program will increase capacity in wastewater and stormwater systems as well as 

reduce the need for septic tanks and increase the availability of clean drinking water to rural 

areas of the county.

REVENUE REPLACEMENT

The County saw significant revenue losses due to the pandemic, and SLFR funds will be used to 

mitigate these loses and provide essential government services that otherwise may not be 

feasible. Projects funded through revenue replacement dollars include: the construction of a new 

facility for Knox County Engineering and Public Works; initiatives to enhance the recovery of 

the tourism industry; operating expenses for critical judicial services; improvements to county 

roads, parks, and greenways; and support for fire and rescue agencies serving county residents. 

 
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PR O M O TI N G EQ U I T A B LE OU T CO M E S

GOALS: SERVING HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED, MARGINALIZED, OR ADVERSELY 

AFFECTED GROUPS

As previously noted, the County’s highest priority is creating opportunities for everyone living in 

the county to thrive in an engaged and vibrant community. The goal of the County is to use funds 

provided through the SLFRF Program in support of programs aligned with this priority. Knox 

County, outside the incorporated limits of the City of Knoxville, has 282,710 residents and a 

median household income of $57,470 Additional demographic information is included below: 

DEMOGRAPHIC CATEGORY KNOX COUNTY

Persons under 18 Years 20.90% 

Persons 65 Years and Over 16.20% 

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40% 

Asian 2.40% 

Black or African American 8.90% 

Hispanic or Latina 4.60% 

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.10% 

Two or More Races 2.30% 

White (not Hispanic or Latino) 82.00% 

Language Other than English Spoken at Home 5.80% 

High School Graduate or Higher 91.70% 

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 37.60% 

Veterans 29,791 

Persons with a Disability (under the age of 65) 8.10% 

Persons in Poverty 13.40% 

*2019 American Community Survey - https://api.census.gov/data/2019/acs/acs1/subject 

 As part of the response to the growing need for support in the public health sector, the County is 

dedicating SLFR funding towards serving community members seeking treatment for substance 

misuse and mental health services for children experiencing trauma. All facets of these programs 

will increase the availability of critical services that are currently struggling to meet the 

heightened demand brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the use of SLFR 

funds in the provision of these services will ensure the cost of care is not passed on to the 

program participants and provides residents access to critical services, regardless of their ability 

to pay. Similar to other jurisdictions in the country, Knox County also saw an increase in food 

insecurity during the early stages of the pandemic and the need for nutritional assistance has 
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persisted. Funding for a local mobile meals program will provide facility upgrades, allowing the 

subrecipient to increase meal preparation capacity for home-bound clients that are medically 

vulnerable and at a heightened risk for contracting COVID-19. 

With only 64.3% of Knox County residents owning their own home, increasing opportunities for 

homeownership is a goal of the County. Through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant, 

the County previously awarded funding to assist with the development of a single-family 

community dedicated specifically to low- and moderate-income households. SLFR funds will 

provide additional assistance for this project that expands the supply of homes in a rural part of 

the County that has minimal affordable housing options. Residents who may otherwise be 

excluded from homeownership, due to the current housing market, will have the opportunity to 

purchase a home and further the goal of growing our community in an inclusionary manner. 

The County will also use SLFR funding to assist utility providers with capital improvements for 

water and sewer lines in areas currently not connected to these public services. A portion of these 

infrastructure projects will make fire protection more readily available to residents and minimize 

water costs through the installation of new meters providing leak notifications. Such projects 

increase home values and further the building of generational wealth, particularly in rural parts 

where the use of septic systems is still common. 

AWARENESS: HOW DO RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES BECOME AWARE OF PROGRAMS? 

In 2022, a Request for Funding for nonprofits will be issued and published publicly by the 

County. A public meeting will be held for interested agencies where the application process will 

be explained and the County’s focus on underserved communities as well as the response to the 

public health crisis will be highlighted. The County is committed to demonstrating the impact the 

SLFR funds have in ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 on residents and businesses in an 

informative and digestible format that is readily available to the public. Subrecipients providing 

services to residents will be required to provide information to the County on how they intend to 

publicize their programs and ensure access is available equally to all residents. Additionally, 

Knox County’s Recovery Plan and other related SLFRF Program documents will be publicly 

available at https://www.knoxcounty.org/communitydevelopment/. 

ACCESS: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS RESULTING IN DISPARITIES

Organizations seeking funding available to local businesses and nonprofits that have faced 

financial hardship due to COVID-19 will have equal access to funding through the public 

application process. The eligibility criteria will align with those typical of other federally funded 

initiatives, and the County will not request additional requirements ensuring funds are accessible, 

regardless of an organization’s experience with federal dollars. Entities will be provided 

technical assistance to support the success of their services to the community and requirements to 

request funding will not be cumbersome for entities that may be fully or partially volunteer 
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driven. Subrecipients will likewise be required to simplify their application process for county 

residents seeking services provided through SLFR funding. 

OUTCOMES: FOCUSED ON CLOSING GAPS, UNIVERSAL LEVELS OF SERVICE, OR 

DISAGGREGATING PROGRESS BY RACE, ETHNICITY, AND OTHER EQUITY MEASURES.

For each project selected for funding by the County, the positive impact on residents and 

businesses will be identified and tracked throughout the program. Disaggregated identifying 

information will be collected, where feasible. Data collected in subrecipient reporting will be 

used to measure the efficacy of programs in promoting equity and identifying whether any 

procedural changes should be made so that marginalized and underserved communities have 

equal access and are encouraged to participate in SLFR funded programs. Funding provided in 

the negative economic impacts expenditure and services to disproportionately impacted 

communities categories will be directed specifically to small businesses in the arts and tourism 

industry and nonprofit agencies that serve historically marginalized and underserved populations. 

NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS

The County has dedicated over $7 million in SLFR funds in support of small businesses, the 

tourism industry, and local nonprofits negatively impacted by the pandemic. Funding will be 

prioritized for nonprofit agencies that have faced financial hardships and/or an increased demand 

for services. The County currently partners with nonprofits that serve diverse populations facing 

myriad challenges that likely have been exacerbated due to the pandemic. Consideration of 

equitable access for residents in need of assistance will be part of the funding determination 

process and residents receiving services through SLFR funded programs will not be charged.

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

High housing costs result in reduced economic opportunities and access to prosperity, especially 

among lower-income households. A recent article published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel 

reported the median sale price for homes in the county rose more than 10% in 2021 at a time 

when one in ten households in the county, or 48,654, are already cost burdened. As housing costs 

outpace gains in income, there is an ever-increasing need for affordable housing options. The 

County will support the development of housing for low- to moderate-income residents through 

SLFR funds provided to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. Habitat’s Ellen’s Glen subdivision will 

provide new homes and a 0% interest mortgage for 35 first-time homebuyers. This initiative 

expands opportunities for residents to build generational wealth who may otherwise find 

purchasing a home in the current housing market an unobtainable goal. 

In response to the growing need to address health disparities, the County will provide SLFR 

funds to support services specifically targeted to aging residents facing numerous social, health, 

and economic challenges. Funds will be awarded to the Knoxville-Knox County Community 

Action Committee (CAC) to address the unmet needs of older community members. SLFR funds 
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will provide additional funding to nonprofit arts and culture organizations to provide education 

programs specifically targeting students in underserved communities in an effort to help children 

regain ground lost during the pandemic. 

USE OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DATA

The County currently distributes more than $14 million in grants to nonprofit entities serving 

vulnerable communities through Knox County General Fund dollars, U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development funding, and the Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance 

funding. These entities report demographic information of service recipients as well as 

qualitative data on the impact of grant funding on program participants. Similar measures will be 

taken in the management of subrecipient awards provided through the SLFRF Program, 

including the determination of outcomes that track quantitatively and qualitatively how 

marginalized and underserved residents are impacted by SLFRF funding. The County does not 

anticipate any challenges to programmatic success related to increasing equity as this metric will 

be continuously monitored and evaluated to ensure programs are effectively meeting their 

intended outcomes. 

GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

The County will allocate SLFR funds to organizations predominately serving constituents living 

outside the City of Knoxville’s incorporated limits as the City received its own allocation and 

plans to provide similar services to residents. In determining the funds awarded to subrecipients, 

specific identification of the impact the dollars will have in regard to the socioeconomic status of 

county residents, that may be traditionally underserved, will be factored into the decision making 

on funding. Where possible, subrecipients will report disaggregated data on the individuals and 

families served and the County will provide data on the positive impacts reported by service 

recipients in its reports to the Treasury as well as the community. 

CO M M U N I T Y EN G AG EM E N T

Knox County has been in discussion with community members and stakeholders since first being 

notified of the SLFRF Program. Information has been disseminated through the County’s 

legislative body and representatives of the County Mayor’s office. Both stakeholders and 

community members have shared their thoughts and opinions with County officials and several 

projects have been funded based on this input. From March 2020 through July 2021, the Knox 

County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated and working with a large group of 

social service and nonprofit organizations focused on serving high-need community groups 

requiring assistance. Individual groups focused on housing, food insecurity, education, and 

homelessness met weekly or bi-weekly along with representatives from the Mayor’s Office and 

other county departments. The needs identified through these EOC meetings helped determine 

the need for a number of the projects selected for funding. Additionally, public meetings and 
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direct constituent outreach have been undertaken to seek community input on many of the 

individual projects selected for SLFR funding. Input provided at public meetings focused on 

community development, stormwater management, fire and rescue, homelessness initiatives, and 

utility services have all been considered in the development of Knox County’s Recovery Plan. 

To promote accessibility and transparency relevant SLFRF Program documents will be available 

at https://www.knoxcounty.org/communitydevelopment/. 

LA B O R PR A C T I C E S

The County will ensure that all infrastructure projects, with budgets in excess of $10 million 

funded through the SLFRF Program, adhere to the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. 

Subrecipients completing infrastructure projects are previous recipients of federal funding and 

familiar with the requirements of the program. The County will utilize the same monitoring and 

tracking mechanisms as used in the management of projects funded through programs provided 

by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

The County will monitor all contractors and subcontractors for capital improvement projects to 

ensure that projects use strong labor standards and workers are properly compensated in 

conformance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards 

Act, and the Copeland Act. 

US E O F EV I D E N C E

The County SLFR funds will be partially distributed to subrecipients that implement evidencebased interventions and/or use rigorous program evaluations to ensure funds are effectively used. 

Additionally, the County is considering the use of a Learning Agenda to assist with future 

funding decisions across the public health, negative economic impacts, and services to 

disproportionately impacted communities expenditure categories. All projects funded through 

these categories will necessitate subrecipients outlining how their services incorporate datadriven strategies based on documented empirical evidence of effectiveness. Subrecipients 

undertaking projects without an evidence-based component will be required to submit 

information on their evaluation process to the County for approval prior to the receipt of funds. 

This evaluation process approval request must include: the design methodology of the 

evaluation; key questions being evaluated; timeframe for completion of the evaluation; and 

whether the study adequately provides for the disaggregation of outcomes by demographics. 

Where possible, subrecipients will collect both quantitative and qualitative data throughout the 

duration of their programs and will report to the County details on how the funding has impacted 

the clients they serve. Disaggregated demographic information will be a component of the 

quantitative data submitted by subrecipients to the County, where possible. This reporting will 
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allow the County to analyze how the current funding is impacting historically underserved and 

marginalized members of the community and where future funding may be needed. 

A final determination of the percentage of the County’s funding spent on evidence-based 

interventions will be made following the completion of all program evaluations. The County will 

provide subrecipients access to contract support, as needed, for technical assistance to develop a 

program evaluation that sufficiently determines efficacy specific to the services provided through 

their programs. 
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TA B L E O F EX P E N S E S BY EX P E N D I TU R E CA T EG O R Y

CODE CATEGORY

CUMULATIVE 

EXPENDITURES 

TO DATE 

AMOUNT SPENT 

SINCE LAST 

RECOVERY PLAN 

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

1.7 Capital Investments/Physical Plant Changes to Public 

Facilities that respond to COVID-19 Public Health Emergency $0 $0 

1.10 Mental Health Services $0 $0 

1.11 Substance Use Services $0 $0 

NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations $0 $0 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality $0 $0 

2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries $0 $0 

SERVICES TO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

3.9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Other $0 $0 

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing $0 $0 

3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance $0 $0 

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other $0 $0 

INFRASTRUCTURE EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

5.3 Clean Water: Decentralized Wastewater $0 $0 

5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater $0 $0 

5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission & Distribution $0 $0 

REVENUE REPLACEMENT EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

6.1 Provision of Government Services $0 $0 

ADMINISTRATIVE AND OTHER EXPENDITURE CATEGORY

7.1 Administrative Expenses $0 $0 
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PROJECT INVENTORY 

PU B LI C HE A L T H PR O J E C T S

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS/PHYSICAL PLANT CHANGES

URGENT CARE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.1 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $850,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 1.7 

The County and City of Knoxville plan to jointly fund the procurement of a facility to provide 

urgent psychiatric care through their respective SLFR funds. This facility will be specifically 

designed to assess, triage, treat, hold, and connect adults with urgent psychiatric needs to the best 

resources for their condition in the community. This facility will replicate successful treatment 

models other states, such as Arizona and Oklahoma, have used to move these critical services 

outside the hospital emergency department. This free-standing psychiatric urgent care facility 

will have the ability to receive self-referrals as well as ambulance, police, and family 

accompanied patients with psychiatric conditions. The “front of house” would be an urgent care 

clinic providing traditional medical care as well as medical clearance for patients prior to 

transport to a psychiatric hospital. The “back of house” will include a full array of crisis services 

including assessment and observation; holding, until a placement becomes available; triage for 

regional psychiatric bed admissions; mobile crisis; CSU; and non-traditional outpatient access 

(evenings/weekends). It is estimated that 70-80% of patients assisted will be uninsured and/or 

covered under TennCare. 

MOBILE MEALS KITCHEN REHABILITATION

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.2 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $550,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 1.7 

Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee provides over 520,000 hot meals and 

174,620 meal components annually to low-income senior residents of Knox County. Need for 

this assistance increased dramatically during the pandemic. Seniors are at higher risk of negative 

outcomes due to the COVID-19 virus, so the need to limit contact with family and friends 

resulted in a higher demand for the services provided through the Mobile Meals Program. SLFR 

funds will be used to upgrade equipment to increase the volume of food produced as well as 

provide additional vehicles required to make weekly deliveries of frozen meals to mitigate the 

reduced capacity for daily deliveries. 

 
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CRIMINAL COURT SOFTWARE UPGRADE

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.3 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,400,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 1.7 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to address a backlog in court cases, created by the COVID19 pandemic, through a capital project to upgrade software for the Knox County Criminal Court. 

Local court systems experienced significant revenue losses during the pandemic, affecting the 

County’s ability to fund critical software upgrades needed to ensure equal access to justice for all 

residents. This project will facilitate the County’s ability to effectively administer services and 

expedite resolutions for the approximate 3,000 cases handled by the court in the course of a 

normal year. Additionally, the project will provide enhanced online capabilities to reduce the 

amount of in-person contact required for constituents to access information relevant to criminal 

court proceedings. 

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

PEDIATRIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.4 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $625,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 1.10 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide $625,000 in evidence-based pediatric behavioral 

health interventions through a partnership with Childhelp Tennessee Clinical Services. This 

program offers a community-based approach to helping children who have suffered complex 

trauma through physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse, or neglect. This service implements 

Trauma Informed Care, an organization structure and treatment framework, to pediatric patients 

with more severe mental health needs. Currently, Childhelp is the only center in Knox County 

that solely focuses on trauma informed care and is available at no cost. Funding will increase the 

reach of these services and use evidence-based therapeutic interventions to assist children in an 

age-appropriate manner. Childhelp has seen an increase in the number of therapy sessions due to 

the mental health crisis brought on by the pandemic. SLFR funds will provide 85 children with 

approximately 4,100 therapy sessions annually. 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

SUBSTANCE MISUSE TREATMENT SERVICES

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.5 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,125,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 1.11

The County will utilize SLFR funding to assist multiple agencies providing substance misuse 

programs. Currently two programs have been selected for funding, and the County anticipates 

providing assistance to one additional program. At least $1,000,000 of funding under this project 
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will be used for evidence-based interventions with the remaining $125,000 evaluated as outlined 

under “Use of Evidence” above. 

Metro Drug Coalition (MDC) is a nonprofit entity that connects individuals and families to social 

and community resources. Their services utilize evidence-based prevention education, harm 

reduction programs, and recovery support services for anyone desiring to maintain or seek a life 

free from substance misuse. Approximately 2,500 people will receive treatment services per 

month at the facility. The Mend House is a nonprofit offering sober living communities for men. 

SLFRF funds will assist the nonprofit in expanding services to meet the growing needs of 

uninsured residents. Program participants gain access to diverse evidence-based programs such 

as job readiness training, financial literacy, and relapse prevention. A minimum of 90 

individuals will reside at the facility on an annual basis. 

NEG A T I V E EC O N O M I C IM P A C T S PR O J E C T S

AID TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

NONPROFIT GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.6 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,500,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 2.10 

The County will utilize SLFR funding to provide grants to nonprofit agencies working to further 

the administration’s goal of creating opportunities for every citizen to thrive in an engaged and 

vibrant community. A committee of community stakeholders, representatives from the County’s 

executive and legislative branches, and subject matter experts will be formed to assess nonprofit 

agency applications for funding and determine award amounts. At least 50% of these funds 

($1,250,000) will be utilized for evidence-based interventions with the remaining programs 

evaluated through a rigorous program evaluation as outlined under “Use of Evidence” above. 

AID TO TOURISM, TRAVEL, OR HOSPITALITY

ZOO KNOXVILLE CAPITAL FUNDING

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.7 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $3,500,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 2.11

The County will utilize SLFR funding to provide Zoo Knoxville capital dollars for 

improvements that will promote tourism and drive economic growth across the county. As one of 

the premier tourist destinations in the region, Zoo Knoxville was heavily impacted by the 

COVID-19 pandemic. Annually the zoo receives an average of 550,000 visitors, with 50% 

traveling from a 50-mile radius outside the county. Some of the projects that were delayed due to 

a revenue shortfall will be completed using SLFR funds including: the otter habitat that is 
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scheduled to be completed later this year; improved signage; and an aviary habitat that is in 

concept design now. 

AID TO OTHER IMPACTED INDUSTRIES

ARTS & CULTURE GRANTS PROGRAM

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.8 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,200,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 2.12 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance to nonprofit agencies working within 

the arts and culture industry that was impacted by significant revenue losses during the 

pandemic. In 2019, arts and culture organizations within the County created: $12 million in jobs; 

$29 million in direct spending for local businesses; and $30 million in tourism business. During 

the pandemic, these organizations experienced a net loss of over $13,000,000. Providing grants 

to nonprofits working within the industry will accelerate the recovery of the arts and culture 

sector and the county as a whole. 

SE R V I C ES T O DI S P R O P O R T I O N A T EL Y IM P A C T E D CO M M U N I T I E S 

HEALTHY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS: OTHER

ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.9 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $100,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 3.9 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations 

providing education programs specifically targeting students in underserved communities to help 

these children regain ground lost during the pandemic. Access to arts and culture has been shown 

to improve low-income communities and improve the lifelong outcomes for children, and one 

hundred percent of the funds provided under this project ($100,000) will be dedicated to 

evidence-based interventions. 

HOUSING SUPPORT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - ELLEN’S GLEN

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.10 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 3.10 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to assist Knoxville Habitat for Humanity with the creation 

of 35 newly constructed affordable housing units. The County has previously awarded HUD 

Community Development Block Grant dollars in the amount of $338,000 for infrastructure 

improvements in support of the project. The development of affordable housing is a high priority 
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18 SLFRF 2021

for funding by the County, and these funds will assist in removing barriers for low to moderateincome residents to building generational wealth through home ownership in a vibrant 

community. Habitat is including underground utilities and garages for every homeowner that will 

live in the Ellen’s Glen Subdivision. 

HOUSING SUPPORT: OTHER HOUSING ASSISTANCE

CAC PROJECT HEART

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.11 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $132,150 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 3.12 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to assist Knoxville-Knox County Community Action 

Committee (CAC) in providing assistance to 80 senior households to promote a safer living 

environment. Among older adults, falls are a serious health problem. In the US, one in three 

persons 65 years of age and older falls each year with two-thirds of those falling again within six 

months. Among this demographic, falls are the leading cause of serious injury and death. Half of 

all older adults hospitalized for a hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after their 

injury. The Project HEART program will partner with the University of Tennessee School of 

Nursing to complete a home safety assessment to screen for environmental and behavioral risks 

for falls. If significant problems are identified through this screening, participants will be 

referred to an Occupational Therapy Assistant who will make recommendations for home 

modifications, safety equipment, or devices that will decrease the risk of falls. Project HEART 

staff will provide installation of equipment and/or referrals to other CAC programs where 

significant repair work is required. One hundred percent of the funding for this program 

($132,150) will be dedicated to an evidence-based intervention. 

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: OTHER

CAC SENIOR HEALTH & ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.12 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $517,850 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 3.13 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to assist Knoxville-Knox County Community Action 

Committee (CAC) in providing health and engagement support services to seniors. The 2020 

State of Aging report noted that there are 78,470 residents age 65+ living in Knox County, with 

an expected increase of 19% by 2030. Seniors face numerous social, health, and economic 

challenges yet a significant number do not use available benefits for food, heat, safe shelter, and 

medical care due to a variety of barriers. Additionally, due to the substance misuse epidemic and 

other economic factors, seniors are acting as caregivers for grandchildren in greater numbers 

than ever before. SLFR funds will provide CAC funding for three programs designed to assist 

with these issues. Approximately 2,000 seniors will be assisted through this program that will be 

evaluated through a rigorous program evaluation as outlined under “Use of Evidence” above.
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WA T E R A N D SEW E R IN F R A S T R U C T U R E P R O J EC T S

The County will utilize SLFR funds for stormwater projects managed internally as well as 

eligible water and sewer infrastructure projects undertaken by local utility providers. These 

projects will align with eligible uses under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking 

Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds. The EPA has stated that as a result of climate 

change, “precipitation variability will increase in many areas”. SLFR funded projects will 

address this issue through an increased capacity in wastewater and stormwater systems. Funding 

through this project will allow utility providers the opportunity to increase monitoring of current 

conditions and the ability to detect deterioration in physical assets and determine when 

adjustments are necessary. Additionally, projects will serve to increase the availability of clean 

drinking water to rural areas and provide the additional infrastructure needed to construct 

affordable housing needed within Knox County.

CLEAN WATER: DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER 

KNOXVILLE UTILITIES BOARD WASTEWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.13 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $10,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.3 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for wastewater projects undertaken by 

the Knoxville Utilities Board. Detailed project-level reporting will be included in future Project 

and Expenditure reports. 

FIRST UTILITY DISTRICT WASTEWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.14 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $8,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.3 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for wastewater projects undertaken by 

First Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included in future Project and 

Expenditure reports. 

KNOX CHAPMAN UTILITY DISTRICT WASTEWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.15 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,037,500 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.3 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for wastewater projects undertaken by 

Knox Chapman Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included in future Project 

and Expenditure reports. 
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WEST KNOX UTILITY DISTRICT WASTEWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.16 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $8,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.3 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for wastewater projects undertaken by 

West Knox Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included in future Project and 

Expenditure reports. 

CLEAN WATER: STORMWATER 

KNOX COUNTY STORMWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.17 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $6,318,683.50 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.6 

The County will utilize SLFR funds for a variety of stormwater improvement projects. Funds 

will be utilized to: repair or replace concrete box culverts as noted as a critical need in the 2018 

stormwater infrastructure inventory; stream restoration at Plumb Creek Park to protect at-risk 

sanitary sewer infrastructure; reconnection of an isolated wetland and restoration of Mill Run 

Stream; expansion of Roy Arthur Stormwater Park; culvert and pump station repairs at Bluegrass 

Lake; expansion of flood storage and public greenspace at Cedar Bluff and Dutchtown Road; and 

floodplain mapping and additional projects for Beaver Creek. These projects will ensure clean 

drinking water and access to green spaces and wetlands are available to all county residents. 

DRINKING WATER: TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

HALLSDALE-POWELL UTILITY DISTRICT WATER TRANSMISSION PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.18 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $8,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.11 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for water transmission projects 

undertaken by Hallsdale-Powell Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included 

in future Project and Expenditure reports. 

NORTH EAST KNOX UTILITY DISTRICT WATER TRANSMISSION PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.19 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,300,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.11 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for water transmission projects 

undertaken by North East Knox Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included 

in future Project and Expenditure reports. 
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 865-215-2005 400 WEST MAIN STREET KNOXCOUNTY.ORG

 KNOXVILLE, TN 37902 

21 SLFRF 2021

LUTTRELL-BLAINE UTILITY DISTRICT WATER TRANSMISSION PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.20 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,500,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.11 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for water transmission projects 

undertaken by Luttrell-Blaine Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included in 

future Project and Expenditure reports. 

KNOX CHAPMAN UTILITY DISTRICT WASTEWATER PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.21 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,037,500 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 5.11

The County will utilize SLFR funds to provide assistance for water transmission projects 

undertaken by Knox Chapman Utility District. Detailed project-level reporting will be included 

in future Project and Expenditure reports. 

REV EN U E REP LA C E M E N T PR O J E C T S

KNOX COUNTY ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.22 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $13,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to construct a new engineering and public works facility on 

West Baxter Avenue. The new building will consolidate multiple stand-alone facilities and 

provide a streamlined one-stop location for constituents to access services provided by the 

various departments that fall under Knox County Engineering and Public Works. 

PROM OTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF TOURISM PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.23 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $3,476,340 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds in the promotion and advancement of tourism in support of 

the ongoing recovery within Knox County from the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotel/motel revenue 

was significantly impacted by the pandemic, and these funds will be allocated to assist Visit 

Knoxville, the East Tennessee History Center, Zoo Knoxville, and other organizations not yet 

determined. An assessment of need is ongoing and additional projects and organizations will be 

selected for funding in the future. 
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 KNOXVILLE, TN 37902 

22 SLFRF 2021

KNOX COUNTY COURT SYSTEM OPERATING EXPENSES

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.24 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,683,713.50 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds for operating expenses incurred in the provision of judicial 

services to benefit the residents of Knox County. Both the Civil Sessions and Circuit Courts 

experienced significant revenue loses during the COVID-19 pandemic and these funds will 

ensure operations remain effective and facilitate the clearing of cases delayed by the pandemic. 

KNOX COUNTY ROAD IM PROVEMENT PROJECT

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.25 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $4,749,050 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds to assist with the completion of the Schaad Road extension 

project. When completed, Schaad Road will be a five-lane ring road connecting Interstate 40/75 

at Lovell Road in west Knox County to Interstate 75 at Callahan Road in north Knox County. 

Once completed, this project will facilitate development and economic growth in an area of 

northwest Knox County historically served by a deficient two-lane road. 

KNOX COUNTY PARKS AND GREENWAY IM PROVEMENTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.26 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $1,750,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds for projects to improve parks and greenways in an effort to 

expand recreation opportunities for county residents. One proposed project is the development of 

a campground at Melton Hill Park providing constituents a local place to camp as well as 

additional revenue for the County generated by a new tourism destination. As reported in the 

2021 North American Annual Camping Report, camping has grown exponentially across all 

demographics since 2014. Kampgrounds of America Inc. reported the number of people 

camping, at least three times per year, has increased by 121% over last year. Final project 

allocations have yet to be determined and the County may include funding for additional park 

and greenway projects in the future. 

KNOX COUNTY FIRE & RESCUE PROJECTS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.27 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 6.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds for projects to support fire and rescue services provided to 

the residents of Knox County by three fire departments and one rescue squad: Karns Fire 
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 KNOXVILLE, TN 37902 

23 SLFRF 2021

Department; Knox County Rescue; Rural Metro Fire Department; and Seymour Volunteer Fire 

Department. In January 2021, the Knox County Commission established the Knox County Fire 

and Technical Rescue Committee to serve as an advisory group to both the Commission and 

Knox County Mayor. This eleven-member committee made up of representatives from the fire 

and rescue agencies, legislative and executive branches of the County, and leadership of other 

emergency service organizations will oversee the process for the use and allocation of the 

approved SLFR funds. 

AD M I N I S T R A TI V E A N D OTH E R EX P E N D I T U R ES

KNOX COUNTY MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 1020623.28 

FUNDING AMOUNT: $2,000,000 

PROJECT CATEGORY: 7.1 

The County will utilize SLFR funds for administrative costs incurred to support the effective and 

efficient administration of the SLFRF Program and ensure compliance with the terms and 

conditions set forth by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The program will be administered 

by Knox County’s finance and community development departments. These departments both 

have substantial experience managing a variety of federally funded programs including the: 

Federal Emergency Management Agency; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and U.S. Department of the Treasury 

Emergency Rental Assistance. 

Administrative costs may include personnel time and expenses for program administration, the 

purchase or creation of a software platform for program management, and contract support to 

assist nonprofit agencies in the design and conduct of a rigorous program evaluation. 

 
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24 SLFRF 2021

PE R F O R M A N C E IN D I C A T O R S & P R O G R A M M A T I C DA T A

 CATEGORY

OUTPUT 

MEASURES 

OUTCOME MEASURES 

Public Health Expenditure Category 

1.7 Capital Investments Availability/

Accessibility 

Percentage increase in availability and 

accessibility of services for constituents 

1.10 Mental Health Services Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants 

exhibiting measurable positive outcomes 

1.11 Substance Use Services Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants 

requiring in-patient treatment within the 

following year 

Negative Economic Impacts Expenditure Category 

2.10 Aid to Nonprofit Organizations Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants 

exhibiting measurable positive outcomes 

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality Revenue Percentage increase in revenue year over 

year 

2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries Revenue Percentage increase in revenue year over 

year 

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities Expenditure Category 

3.9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Other Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants 

exhibiting measurable positive outcomes 

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing Housing 

Units 

Number of units constructed and occupied 

by low- to moderate income households 

3.12 Housing Support: Other Assistance Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants living 

independently a year following assistance 

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other Number 

Served 

Percentage of program participants 

exhibiting measurable positive outcomes 

Infrastructure Expenditure Category 

5.5 Clean Water: Decentralized Capacity Percentage increase in stormwater and/or 

sewer system capacity 

5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater Capacity Percentage increase in stormwater and/or 

sewer system capacity 

5.11 Drinking Water: Transmission & Distribution Availability/

Accessibility 

Percentage increase in availability and 

accessibility of services for constituents 

*Outside the affordable housing and housing support categories included above, at this time, the County 

does not plan to utilize SLFR funds for any of the other projects requiring data reporting as listed on Page 

28 of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Compliance and Reporting Guidance.