Tanner delivers $2.5 million stimulus to Gibson County

 

June 30, 2009- TRENTON, Tenn.—U.S. Representative John Tanner and USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Robert Connelly, Jr. today announced federal funding for a Gibson County Utility District (GCUD) project that will extend natural gas service to customers in the Medina area. The federal low-interest loan is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. During the event at GCUD offices in Trenton, General Manager Pat Riley unveiled a map of the area to be served.

 

"This is an important investment into our short- and long-term economic development and will improve the quality of life for families in Gibson County," Rep. Tanner said. "Investments such as this one help employ West Tennessee workers now and improve upon the infrastructure crucial to helping us create new private-sector jobs in the long term."

 

According to the GCUD map, the project will connect parts of State Route 187, Mount Zion Road, Stavely Road, Blackmon Road and State Route 152, providing economic growth to the City of Medina. The new lines will provide the capacity to serve an additional 2,000 customers in the high-growth area of Gibson County. Additionally, the additions will connect two existing lines creating a loop and reducing the risk of major disruptions to the system.

 

"This project puts people to work building the gas line extensions now and helps Gibson County Utility District meet the growing needs of families and businesses and as the area grows," said Connelly. "Thanks to the support of Congressman Tanner, Rural Development has the financial resources to improve the quality of life for people in rural communities."

 

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 Gibson County Mayor Joe Shepard, Trenton Mayor Tony Burris, Medina Mayor Vance Coleman, GCUD Board members Bob Holman, George Pounds, Najanna Coleman, Carmon Lannon, Jr., Allyson Horner and Ed Norman, RD Area Director Bobby Goode and Staff Brenda Horner, Mitzi Hailey and Brandon Orr.

 

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 Gibson County 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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