NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 23, 2021 - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is investing $185 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of 32 states. The investments will benefit 3 million rural residents. Tennessee Rural Development Acting State Director Dan Beasley announces today that six rural Tennessee counties will benefit from more than $17.5 million in loan and grant investments.
“It is vitally important that communities have the essential services they need to ensure the safety and enrichment of its citizens,” Beasley said. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to be a strong partner in rural Tennessee. These investments will help our rural communities build back better and stronger.”
Background:
USDA is investing in 233 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Of these, 74 awards, totaling $4 million, will help communities with their long-term recovery efforts following natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.
The Department is making investments in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In Tennessee:
- The city of Athens is receiving a $5 million loan to construct a Pre-K – 5th grade elementary school in Athens, McMinn County, Tenn. The school will be approximately 135,000-square-feet and have two stories. The ground level is divided into four wings: common areas, cafeteria, library, music rooms and a gymnasium in the middle section. The proposed second floor is occupied by classrooms. The purpose of the proposed elementary school is to consolidate four existing elementary schools which are 50 to 90 years old. The need for the proposed elementary school is critical to provide a facility that is safe, accessible and meets all applicable codes and standards. The city has approved the addition of the 3rd – 5th grades wing and additional window surrounds to be in the current construction contract.
- Sequatchie County is receiving a $205,000 loan and $110,000 grant to purchase fire protection equipment that includes 30 sets of turn out gear, 30 complete Air Packs and two carbon wrapped cylinders. The number of units being provided to each department is in accordance with the National Firefighters Association standards, which requires each of the five departments to have a minimum of 6 sets of turn out gear and six air packs with additional cylinders. The replacement of dilapidated equipment will increase operational efficiency of the volunteer fire departments and the rescue squad, but will also provide greater safety to responding firefighters and volunteer emergency rescue staff.
- The city of Trenton is receiving a $5 million loan and $250,000 grant to construct the Trenton Light and Water Building. The building will include 6,000-square-feet office space along with 16,250-square-feet garage and workshop. The project will serve all 4,264 residents of Trenton.
- The city of Savannah is receiving a $400,000 loan and $100,000 grant to purchase a pumper truck for the city of Savannah. The pumper will give the firefighters and community more dependable fire suppression support in replacement of the existing 18-year old unit. In addition, this will allow the city to decommission the unreliable 1971 pumper in the fleet.
- The town of Alamo is receiving a $5 million loan to finance a school renovation and expansion project for the Alamo City School District. The project consists of the expansion of a cafeteria, renovation and expansion of 2,680-square-foot classroom space and an enclosed walkway from the school to the gymnasium. The project will serve all 2,461 residents of Alamo.
- The city of Covington is receiving a $1.2 million loan and $250,000 grant to ensure the city of Covington has a safe and reliable street system for the citizens of Covington. The project consists of repaving and milling 11 city streets. The total length of streets in Covington to be repaved is approximately 29,030-linear-feet. This project is essential to the welfare, safety and economic well-being of the community.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
To learn more about Community Facilities Program funding opportunities, contact a USDA Rural Development state office. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/tn. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.