Governor Haslam Announces 27 Community Development Block Grants in East Tennessee

Grants Assist Communities with Infrastructure Improvements

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty recently approved more than $23 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to assist with infrastructure improvements in Tennessee. The pair announced recipients of the grants in East Tennessee today – West and Middle Tennessee grant recipients were announced earlier this month; a list of these recipients can be found here: http://news.tn.gov/node/8062.

“As we work to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs, the proper infrastructure must support existing and future businesses,” Haslam said. “I am pleased the state of Tennessee is able to partner with our local communities to make these projects a reality.”

The funds were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

“Community development is essential in growing the economy and creating a business friendly environment,” Hagerty said. “CDBG grants allow communities to take the steps needed that will ultimately encourage existing businesses to expand and future companies to relocate and invest in Tennessee.”

Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Below is a list of communities who were awarded grants:

Community Livability
Bulls Gap: $240,363
Ducktown: $100,000
Fentress County: $300,000
Jackson County: $300,000
New Hope: $200,000
Sunbright: $176,720

Sewer Lines
Soddy Daisy: $340,000

Sewer Systems
Copperhill: $225,000
Crossville: $500,000
Elizabethton: $500,000
Greeneville: $500,000
Jamestown: $500,000
Meigs County: $400,000
Mount Carmel: $500,000
Norris: $300,000
Oneida: $500,000
Sneedville: $500,000
Spring City: $350,000

Water Lines
Jefferson County: $315,400
Newport: $500,000
Sevier County: $400,000

Water Systems
Benton: $500,000
Carter County: $500,000
Caryville: $468,420
Gainesboro: $300,000
Livingston: $500,000
Overton County: $500,000

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

###

Media Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov