Blackburn announces $2.3 million for Selmer water improvements

                                                                                                               

November 13, 2009 - SELMER, Tenn.—U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn and USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode today announced federal funding of $2.3 million for needed improvements to the Selmer municipal water system. The presentations took place at McNairy County High School.

 

"Providing safe, reliable drinking water is a fundamental responsibility of government. I am pleased that these funds will be available so that Selmer can provide this essential service," said Blackburn.

 

According to Selmer Mayor David Robinson a Rural Development loan of $1,824,000 and grant of $476,000 will fund construction of new water supply lines for the downtown business district. Water lines will be replaced along Pharr, Court, Houston, Front, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th Streets. Robinson said these lines are the oldest in the system.

 

The project includes about 215 reconnections and will significantly reduce maintenance costs, water loss and improve pressure and flow. The system serves more than 7,600 customers and will increase capacity to meet future demand in the growing community.

 

"Thanks to the support of Representative Marsha Blackburn, Rural Development has the financial resources Selmer needs to improve the business environment and the quality of life here in McNairy County," said Goode.

 

Rural Development community programs finance construction or improvements to 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 projects targets areas with populations of less than 10,000.

 

Others participating in the event included Sen. Bob Corker's Representative Jennifer Weems, McNairy County Mayor Jai Templeton, State Senator Delores Gresham, Selmer Mayor David Robinson, Alderman Lloyd Tennyson, and RD Area Director Harriet Cannon and staff Bish Thomas, Dorothy Walls and Joel Howard.

 

USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses, community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 866,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $619 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in southwest Tennessee contact the Rural Development Area Office in Jackson at 731-668-2091, ext. 2, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 ext. 1495 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

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