Knox County Tennessee

Grant Process


What is the process for applying for a Grant?

If you are applying for septic repairs, use the following checklist to guide you:

  1. Contact the Knox County Stormwater Management Department at Stormwater@knoxcounty.org or (865) 215-5800
  2. Once you have contacted Knox County Stormwater and are directed to do so, schedule an initial inspection of your septic system or drain field with the Knox County Health Department, who will issue a permit for "Construction of Subsurface Sewage Removal" if repairs are deemed necessary.
  3. After you receive the permit from the Health Department you are responsible for contacting 3 septic companies from the list of approved septic contractors (this will be given to you by the Health Department) to obtain bids for the approved work.
  4. Fill out & send back the Application and Agreement for Cost-Share Assistance that will be sent to you by Knox County.
  5. When you receive the permit from the Health Department for “Construction of Subsurface Sewage Removal”, you are responsible for contacting 3 septic companies from the list of approved septic contractors (this will be given to you by Knox County) to obtain bids for the approved work.
  6. Knox County will select a contractor based on the 3 bids obtained by you, and will work with you and the septic company to schedule the repairs. You are responsible for working out a payment schedule with the contractor.
  7. Contact the Health Department to schedule a final inspection. They will issue a Certificate of Completion of Subsurface Sewage Disposal.
  8. Once the work is complete, be sure to send a copy of the bill / invoice from the septic repair company to Knox County.
  9. Once the invoice from the septic repair company and the Certificate of Completion from the Health Department are received by Knox County, we will process a reimbursement.
  10. Please allow 2-3 weeks for a reimbursement check from Knox County to be issued back to you for 75% of the cost of the repair of your septic system.

Still have questions?

Contact (865) 215-5800 for septic system repair funding inquiries.


If you are applying for agricultural Best Management Practices, use the following checklist to guide you:

  1. Contact the Knox County Soil Conservation District at (865) 523-3338 x 3 to request a no-cost consultation by a Soil Conservationist.
  2. The Soil Conservationist will come out to assess the natural resource concerns on your agricultural operation. A conservation plan will be suggested (never required) that may include exclusion fencing, watering facilities, heavy use areas, stream crossings, cross fencing or other approved Best Management Practices (BMPs).
  3. Once approved for funding by the Knox County Soil Conservation District, you will receive a cost estimate for the BMPs to be installed by a contractor of your choice.
  4. After the work is complete, schedule a field visit with the Soil Conservationist to ensure that the practices were installed to specifications.
  5. When the work is completed and approved by the Knox County Soil Conservation District, please allow 2-3 weeks for a reimbursement check from Knox County to be issued back to you for 75% of the cost of the BMPs.

Still have questions?

Contact (865) 523-3338 x 3 for agricultural BMP funding inquiries.