NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 19, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced nearly $89 million in investments for 13 rural development projects in communities across Tennessee. These projects will promote strong partnerships and invest in critical infrastructure as well as educational opportunities for rural Tennesseans.
“We are working every day at USDA to ensure our family farmers have the tools and markets to keep farming for generations to come. Rural Tennessee helps feed and fuel America and the world, and President Trump is committed to investing in these communities so they continue to be productive and fulfilling places to live for generations to come. If our farmers and ranchers do not have the resources to continue to farm, then we cannot feed ourselves. President Trump understands how important it is to have a safe, secure, and resilient farm economy,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
"USDA Rural Development is making a difference across rural Tennessee,” said Patrick Jaynes, Tennessee State Director for USDA Rural Development. “We value our many partnerships, and projects like these - dedicated to infrastructure and education - show just how committed the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins are to building up rural America. Today this commitment is proven.”
The investments will support critical projects in communities over 28 counties.
Electric Partnership
USDA’s long-time partnerships with electric co-ops support economic development as well as the power grid.
- Duck River Electric Member Corporation is receiving a $64.7 million loan through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to connect 7,230 consumers and build and improve 239 miles of line. Duck River Electric Membership Corporation is headquartered in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and serves approximately 82,900 consumers through 6,418 miles of line in 17 counties located in south central Tennessee. Duck River EMC is also a historically successful recipient and partner in USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, providing pass-through funding for economic development projects to promote job growth and community-driven prosperity in the communities they serve.
Critical Utilities
Ensuring rural Tennessee’s water and wastewater systems, roadways, and emergency communications are strong and reliable.
- Cunningham Utility District in Montgomery County is receiving a $2,325,000 loan to extend water lines, which will serve an additional 70 households.
- City of Celina in Clay County is receiving a $2 million loan to re-pave all streets within city limits.
- Marshall County Emergency Communications District is receiving a $2.75 million loan to build a new 911 dispatch and call center.
- Copper Basin Utility District in Polk County is receiving a $729,000 grant and $530,000 loan to construct a booster pump station and 4,000 linear feet of water line.
- Hallsdale Powell Utility District in Knox County is receiving a $5,380,000 loan to replace wastewater lines and improve the intake and inflow of the community’s wastewater system to increase efficiency.
- Webb Creek Utility District in Sevier County is receiving a $316,000 grant and $397,000 loan to improve the wastewater system by replacing concrete wastewater lines with a larger ductile iron line.
- Town of Selmer in McNairy County is receiving a $600,000 grant and $1 million loan to repair the McNairy County Jail pump station and prevent unsanitary overflows.
- City of Erin in Houston County is receiving a $30,000 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) grant for technical assistance and to complete a preliminary engineering report to make improvements at the town’s wastewater treatment plant.
- Town of Vanleer in Dickson County is receiving a $30,000 SEARCH grant for predevelopment planning to make upgrades to the town’s water system which is near the end of its useful life.
- City of Gallaway in Fayette County is receiving a $30,000 SEARCH grant to analyze and evaluate options to improve wastewater treatment.
Technical and Childhood Education
Investments support rural schools and encourage career pursuits.
- Ivy Academy in Hamilton County is receiving a $5,093,000 loan to build a new high school career technology center to support students pursuing careers in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, automotive, and other areas.
- Life Christian Academy in Sumner County is receiving a $3,357,000 loan guarantee to purchase a new building for a major expansion supporting its daycare through 5th grades.
About USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. The commitment and resources we bring to rural communities help drive economic security and prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov.