Tusculum could receive up to $500,000 in federal funds for use in building sewer lines if the Interior Appropriations bill that was approved Thursday by the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee wins full Congressional approval.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., announced on Thursday that the bill he co-authored had passed the Appropriations Committee.

The bill, which is awaiting approval by the full U.S. Senate, also includes funding for several water and wastewater projects across the state, in addition to increased funds for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Some areas of Tusculum currently are served by the Greeneville sewer system, but a number of residential areas within Tusculum remain without sewer service.

Tusculum Mayor John Foster said on Friday that he had been unaware of the Senate Appropriations Committee's action, but was happy to learn that Tusculum could receive the new federal money.

Foster noted that if the funds are received, they could be used to help build sewer lines to serve residential portions of Tusculum that are currently without sewer service, "if arrangements can be worked out."

Foster stressed that discussion of expanded sewer service is "premature" at this point because full congressional approval of the Interior Appropriations Bill is still pending.

He also said no agreement has been reached with Greeneville officials to allow any Tusculum sewer lines that may be built in the future to be connected to the Greeneville sewer system for treatment of sewage collected in Tusculum.

In any event, Foster said, $500,000 is not enough money to complete extension of sewer lines throughout Tusculum.

The press release issued by Alexander's office said $500,000 for Tusculum had been included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Tusculum, according to the release, could use the funds for upgrades to its water-treatment system.

Mayor Foster pointed out that Tusculum currently does not have either a water-treatment or a wastewater-treatment system of its own.

But Tusculum College, Doak Elementary School, Chuckey-Doak Middle and High Schools and several subdivisions within Tusculum currently are served by the Greeneville sewer system.

"Funding (the $500,000) would be used to build a sewer system to serve the residents and businesses of the City of Tusculum, providing clean drinking water and treating waste," the press release said.