NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nashville's sewer system is old and in desperate need of repair. Now, there may be some help for the sewer system and Nashville's economy.

According to federal officials, as part of the stimulus plan, Tennessee will receive an estimated $77.7 million in federal dollars to work on sewage treatment plants, water quality and drinking water systems.

These will be big projects that will bring private-sector jobs to middle Tennessee.

"When you put $77 million worth of capital work in the state of Tennessee, that's jobs for engineers and consultants and architects and construction," said Emily Evans, Metro Council member.

Metro Water Services has a long list of projects ready to go, totaling more than $60 million. It will be up to the state to decide who gets how much.

"We submitted to the state a list of projects for water, sewer and storm water that essentially could be done as soon as the money is available," said John Kennedy, of Metro Water Services.

The new funds come as Metro Council debates a water rate hike to help pay for the ailing infrastructure. Though that increase appears to be inevitable, the new money may ease the severity of the sting over the long haul.

"It's probably not going to be a ton of money, so it's not going to show up on your bill in any way, but it means over time we've got to do, you know, more work," Evans said.

The EPA talked to state officials Thursday about moving forward with the money. Once the contractors are decided, application for the jobs can begin.