Governor Haslam Announces Four Community Development Block Grants

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 | 10:15am

Grants Assist Communities with Infrastructure Improvements

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today four recipients of Community Development Block Grants that will assist with infrastructure improvements in area communities.  The grant recipients included Oliver Springs, Lenoir City, Cocke County and Clinton.  Additional CDBG recipients will be announced throughout September and October. 

“Community development block grants allow communities to complete projects that will ultimately lay the ground work for future economic development opportunities,” Haslam said.  “I am pleased the state of Tennessee is able to partner with our local communities to make this project a reality.”

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

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.

“CDBG has such a huge impact on our rural communities where we have some of our biggest challenges in economic development,” Haslam said.  “Having the proper infrastructure in place can lead to additional jobs and investments for a community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.”

The grants were approved following an application by each community and are supported by Sens. Ken Yager, Steve Southerland and Randy McNally; Reps. Julia Hurley, Kelly Keisling, Jeremy Faison, John Ragan, John Mark Windle; Mayors Chris Helper, Tony Aikens, Vaughn Moore and Scott Burton.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, U.S. Reps. Scott DesJarlais, John Duncan, Phil Roe and Chuck Fleischmann aided in securing the funds.

Area CDBG recipients announced today include:

Community

Project

CDBG Amount

Local Funds

Total Amount for Project

Oliver Springs

Water Systems Improvements

$500,000

$37,700

$537,700

Lenoir City

Sewer System Improvements

$500,000

$155,986

$655,986

Cocke County

Water Line Extension

$499,987

$74,726

$574,713

Clinton

Housing Rehabilitation

$339,000

N/A

$339,000

Haslam also announced two Department of Environment and Conservation Park Grants: $100,000 to the Town of Oliver Springs for the development of Carmichael Park and the expansion of Arrowhead Park and $22,000 to Anderson County for the continued development of Marlow Park.

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. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd.  Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd.  Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd. 

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

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