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Lead Entity: Clinch-Powell Resource Conservation & Development Council

State: Tennessee
Counties (Census Tracts): Claiborne (9701, 9707, 9709), Grainger (5001), Hawkins (502), Hancock (9601, 9602, 9603, 9604), Union (402.1, 403)
Community Population: 28,268
Poverty Rate: 31%
Net Land Area: 677.4 square miles

• Round I Champion Community
• The percentage of houses in the Zone that have indoor plumbing is less than the surrounding counties as a whole, the state and the nation.
• The per capita income for the Zone counties is 42% below the National and 35% below the State per capita income.

Clinch-Powell is an area with a rich history that has gone through many economic changes through the years. Clinch-Powell represents a dispersed community with nine of the eleven census tracts having a lower population per square mile than the national average and ten of the census tracts having a lower population density than the state average. This sparse population density is one of the underlying reasons for the lack of adequate public services and employment opportunities in the Zone.

Clinch-Powell RC&D response is to implement programs and projects to help build foundations for strong, clean, and health communities, while empowering citizens to help themselves and tackle challenges through critical education, demonstrated leadership, meaningful volunteer service and dedicated action.

• Economic Development- creation of a community development corporation for the Zone, establishment of several capital funds for business expansion and development, charter a regional Chamber of Commerce;
• Education-construction of a regional technical training center and the enhancement of vocational training in existing high schools, renovation and upgrading of school libraries, telecommunication and distance learning centers;
• Community Development-construction of a mountain cultural center, establishment of community centers for social activities, recreation and education, creation of structured youth programs;
• Health/Social Services-develop health care systems in the Zone that are self-supporting and include wellness as well as medical care, emergency services will be enhanced along with the establishment of 24-hour health care clinics, creation of health and wellness programs in community centers;
• Employment/Job Training-continually survey and coordinate job needs of area employers, create or expand adult education in all counties, improve vocational education in all high schools, develop and institute an apprenticeship program, promote successful marketing of local arts and crafts;
• Infrastructure- ensure that all residents have safe and ample drinking water and approved sewage disposal; establish the First Wheels Program to supply transportation to welfare recipients and others with special needs to facilitate moving into the workforce; establish comprehensive and high quality emergency services in the Zone to include 911, EMS, Rescue Squad, Fire, Ambulance and Police.

Clinch-Powell has a fortified base of partners from its initial planning process during Round I of the EZ/EC Initiative. Since that time Clinch-Powell has fostered new relationships with both the private and public sector at the local, regional and national level. The Clinch-Powell lists of partners consists of 63 organizations which includes Federal Agencies, colleges and universities, banks, private business, National foundations, local governments and community volunteer groups.

Clinch Powell also has identified a strategy to bring in those who have become experts in areas of economic community development as well as linking with local and national organizations for potential funding or in-kind assistance. Some leveraging components of the strategic plan include; the creation of three new chapters of Habitat for Humanity, connecting with The Nature Conservancy for protecting and repairing the natural resource base, and the Union County Solid Waste Authority for the creation of a solid waste management system.

Building on the excellent community participation involved in the development of the strategic plan, Clinch-Powell has outlined a strategy of not only keeping citizens informed, but also to keep citizens engaged throughout the implementation process. This strategy is coupled with a climate of community-driven environmental preservation and a determination to enhance the existing strengths while improving the living conditions for all.

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