USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode joined local leaders to announce a $50,000 Community Facilities grant to Tiptonville Main Street Association. Partnering with the State of Tennessee and Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, the funds will be used to purchase and install new audio and video equipment in the Strand Theatre.
"This new equipment will greatly enhance the community and cultural events at Strand Theatre, and stimulate the economy of the downtown area,” said Goode. "Utilizing local, state and federal funding to invest in a vibrant downtown benefits the entire community and is the goal of USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity strategy of partnering public resources with local expertise to grow rural economies.”
Others participating in the event included Field Representative for Congressman Stephen Fincher Ivy Fultz, County Mayor Denny Johnson, Tiptonville City Mayor Reid Yates, Tiptonville Main Street Executive Director Marcia Mills, Tiptonville Main Street President Fran Hearn and Union City RD staff.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the economic health of rural communities. Since 2009, the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million families and businesses in over 230 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee investing more than $5.4 Billion into local economies through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in Northwest Tennessee, contact the Union City Area Office at 731-885-6480 x 4, or toll free 800-342-3149 x 1497. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/tn