USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode joined Tipton Arts Council Chairperson Gene Sneed to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Ruffin Theater. Through USDA-RD’s Community Facilities Grant, the Tipton Arts Council received $25,000 to purchase and install new seating within Ruffin Theater.
“This new seating will enhance the local arts and encourage the residents to attend events at the Ruffin Theater,” Goode said. “Utilizing federal funding to invest in rural culture will stimulate the economy and ultimately benefit the entire community.”
The Ruffin Theater’s previous seating was inadequate to accommodate local residents as they attend the various events and productions at the theater. This project will continue to support the arts in rural areas, which is a vital component of rural culture.
Others participating in the event include State Representative Debra Moody, City of Covington Mayor Justin Hanson, Dyersburg State Community College President Dr. Karen Bowyer, Tipton Arts Council President Wanda Bellow, Covington Tipton County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lee Johnston, City of Munford Director of Community Development Barbara Dorn, Assistant to the State Director Harriet Cannon, Jackson Area Director Arlisa Armstrong and Loan Specialist Clyde Payne.
USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty. Since 2009, the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 230 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee, investing more than $6.6 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in Southwest Tennessee contact the Jackson Area Office at 731-668-2091. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.