October 23, 2009 - SUNBRIGHT, Tenn.—U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis and
USDA Rural Development Area Director Jerry Amonett today announced federal
funding of $1,072,800 to Sunbright Utility District to extend public water
service along several roads in north Morgan County. The presentation was made at
the UD Office.
"This vital investment will put into place the
infrastructure that will provide safe and reliable water to families living in
Sunbright," said
Rural Development funding includes a $796,800 grant and
a low-interest $276,000 loan to construct about nine miles of water line
extensions. The extensions will bring clean, reliable drinking water to
households along parts of Red Hill, Coon Hollow, Junior Hall, Brock, Wiley and
England Roads. Sunbright UD plans to contribute an additional $88,042 for a
total invest of $1,160,842 in water system
improvements.
"Safe, reliable water is a basic necessity for families
and is essential for economic development," said Amonett. "Thanks to the support
of Congressman Lincoln Davis, Rural Development has the financial resources
Sunbright Utility District needs to improve the quality of life here in
An increasing number of individual wells, cisterns and
springs in this area no longer provide consistently safe drinking water. The
additional water mains will initially reach about 45 existing households with
the additional capacity to accommodate future growth in the
area.
Rural Development community programs provide communities
with financial resources to construct or improve essential services like
reliable access to clean water, wastewater treatment, healthcare, education, job
training and first responder facilities. Loan-guarantees encourage private
lenders to expand the availability of affordable financing in rural communities.
Direct loans and grants create sound financial opportunities for local
governments to meet essential infrastructure needs. Funding for water and
wastewater projects targets areas with a population of less than
10,000.
Others participating in the event included Morgan County
Mayor Becky Ruppe, Sunbright Mayor Dennis Reagen, County Commissioner Joe Reed,
Sunbright UD President Carl Jones, Executive Director Benny Stewart and members
of the board of directors.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses,
community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural
communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 864,000
For more information on Rural Development programs
available contact the Rural Development Area Office in
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