$9,400 Rural Development grant for Agri-tourism project

 

July 21, 2009 - RUGBY, Tenn.—Rural Development (RD) Area Director Jerry Amonett., Historic Rugby, Inc. (HRI) Executive Director Cheryl Cribbet and HRI Development Director Barbara Stagg today announced a federal investment of $9,400 to fund additions to the town's agri-tourism and conservation project based on the unusual history of the area's first European settlers. The event took place at Rugby Visitors Center.

 

"Rugby has an interesting legacy that attracts visitors from all over the world," said Amonett. "The additions to the community's agri-tourism project will help Ms. Cribbet and her team meet the growing demand for their unique services."

 

The Rural Development grant and an additional $24,600 provided by Rugby will be used to purchase and install a misting system in the greenhouse, extend the water piping to the growing area, purchase a composter and canopy. The grant also allows HRI to retain its current employees and expand the facilities capabilities of providing outdoor gardening workshops, as well as market agri-tourism in Rugby.

 

"Historic Rugby is extremely thankful for the support of Rural Development," said Cribbet. "This grant allows us to expand our greenhouse and gardens operation and assists in the propagation of the heirloom and native plants."

 

Rural Development’s rural business enterprise grant program provides assistance to public or not-for-profit entities to support community economic development programs that assist small businesses in improving local business infrastructure, providing job training, conducting feasibility studies and providing technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.

 

Others participating in the events included Rep. Lincoln Davis' Representative John Robbins, Historic Rugby Board Member Rick Murphy and Rural Development Staff Larry Mason and Charles Morris.

 

USDA Rural Development invests in rural communities through business development, community infrastructure and homeownership programs. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses investing more than $435 million through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Morgan County contact the Knoxville Area Office at 865-523-3338, ext. 4, toll free at (800) 342-3149 ext. 1491, or online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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