Davis delivers Recovery Act investment in United Fund of Cumberland Co.

                                                                                                               

August 6, 2009 - MANCHESTER, Tenn.—U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis, USDA Rural Development Administrator Tammye Trevino and Acting State Director Robert Connelly, Jr. today announced federal funding of $242,000 to United Fund of Cumberland County for a new facility in Crossville. A ceremonial check was delivered to United Fund President Janice Hamby at Rep. Davis' Sixth Annual Small Business and Federal Grants Seminar held in Manchester on August 5-6.

 

"I thank USDA Rural Development for partnering with United Fund of Cumberland County so they and other area non-profits have the necessary space to meet the needs of the people they administer to and serve," said Congressman Davis.

 

The Rural Development investment includes a $192,000 low-interest loan and a $50,000 grant. According to Hamby, the United Fund will contribute an additional $100,000 to the project. Funds will be used to purchase and renovate a building with sufficient space to house United Fund operations and provide a home for other area non-profit organizations. The project is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

"In today's challenging economic environment the work of the United Fund for the people of Cumberland County is more important than ever," said Connelly. "Thanks to the support of Congressman Lincoln Davis, Rural Development has the financial and technical resources to partner with local leaders to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people they serve."

 

Rural Development’s community facilities program uses direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to provide rural areas with the financial resources to construct or improve essential services like healthcare, education, civic infrastructure and first responder facilities. The loan-guarantee program encourages private lenders to expand their investment of capital in rural communities. Community facilities programs target rural areas with a population less than 20,000.

 

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.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Cumberland County contact the Rural Development Area Office in Cookeville at 931-528-6539 ext. 2, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 extension 1493, or visit us online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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