$400,000 in stimulus coming to Obion County

 

July 23, 2009 - SAMBURG, Tenn.—USDA Rural Development Area Director Bobby Goode and Reelfoot Lake Regional Utility and Planning District Chairman Tim Bunch today announced a total investment of $540,000 to construct a new headquarters building. The announcement took place at the construction site in Samburg.

 

"The Reelfoot Lake Regional Utility and Planning District is such an intricate part of the Obion and Lake County community and I am proud Rural Development can be a part of this project," said Goode. "This investment will not only bring the headquarters building closer to their customers, but it will also be more accessible for everyone."

 

A $400,000 Rural Development Water and Environmental Program loan will be combined with $140,000 in Utility District reserves for the total investment of $540,000.

 

The utility district currently rents a facility in the western portion of the district near Tiptonville. The new location in Samburg will be more centrally located in the district and include adequate space for public meetings, improved handicap accessibility and fire suppression, enhanced security for record storage, a drive up window, and an improved shop for maintenance and the storage of equipment.

 

"This new building will improve our ability to service our customers as well as the community," said Bunch. "We wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of Rural Development."

 

Rural Development's Community Facilities program helps finance essential civic infrastructure for public use in rural areas. Eligible projects include things like childcare centers, hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes in areas with populations less than 20,000.

 

Others participating in the event included Sen. Bob Corker's new representative Jennifer Weems, Rep. John Tanner's representative Brad Thompson, Obion County Mayor Bennie McGuire, Mayor of Samburg Larry Gene Davis, and RD Area staff Brenda Horner and Mitzi Hailey.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

 

USDA Rural Development invests in rural communities through business development, community and homeownership programs. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Obion and Lake Counties contact the Rural Development Area Office in Union City at 731-885-6480, toll free at 800-342-3149 ext. 1497 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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