In his February 6 State of the State address, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proposed $28 million in funding to construct the Tennessee Water Education and Training Center at UTIA’s Lone Oaks Farm. The first of its kind WET center will provide opportunities for hands-on training programs in hydraulics, hydrology, erosion, and flood management. The West Tennessee River Basin Authority, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and the Institute are partners in this effort.

The governor’s proposed budget also includes additional operating funds for UTCVM and a 5 percent salary pool increase for state employees, as well as investments in employee health insurance and 401k contributions. Additionally two UTIA maintenance projects are included in the governor’s proposed $30 million for capital maintenance across the UT System: an HVAC replacement for Morgan Hall and exterior improvements for UTCVM.