$10,000 federal grant to expand Scott County business

                                                                                                               

July 21, 2009 - ONEIDA, Tenn.—Rural Development Area Director Jerry Amonett and Scott County Mayor Ricky Keeton today announced an investment of $10,000 to fund a technical assistance project. The announcement was on site in Oneida.

 

“Small business is the economic engine of rural communities, creating good jobs and helping maintain a healthy, diversified local economy,” said Amonett. “Thanks to the support of our congressional delegation Rural Development has the financial resources to support the Scott County Airport Industrial Park project as they help to create jobs, diversify the local economy while expanding its tax base.”

 

Scott County is also contributing $2,500, for a total of $12,500 toward the project. The project involves paying engineering fees associated with providing the infrastructure to the new industrial park adjacent to the Scott County Airport.

 

"The Scott County Airport Industrial Park will provide a great source for jobs in Scott County," said Keeton. "The grant from Rural Development allows us to direct funds to other projects in the county which will benefit all of our residents."

 

Rural Development’s rural business enterprise grant program provides assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations that assist small businesses, develop local business infrastructure, provide job training, conduct feasibility studies or provide technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.

 

Others participating in the presentation included Sen. Bob Corker's representative David Leaverton, Rep. Lincoln Davis' representative John Robbins, Scott County Commissioner Dennis Sexton and RD Area Staff Larry Mason and Chuck Morris.

 

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 Scott County contact the Rural Development Area Office in Knoxville at 865-523-3338 ext. 4, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 extension 1491, or visit us online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

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