U.S. Representative Phil Roe and USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode today announced more than $2.5 million in Water and Waste Disposal funding to benefit the citizens of Bluff City.
"This investment is important to the people of Bluff City, and I am glad to see this commitment from USDA," said Roe. "Water infrastructure can help pave the way for economic investment, and I thank Director Goode for all his hard work on this issue."
A Rural Development loan of $1,686,000 and grant of $830,900 will fund improvements to the water treatment plant by installing a new clear well tank, improve the water distribution system by replacing deficient water lines, improve collection system capacity by replacing two deficient sewer pump stations, and extend sewer service in the southern portion of sewer system. Rural residents and small businesses in Bluff City will benefit from this project through improved water and sewer service.
"Safe, reliable water is vital to the future of every healthy community," said Goode. "Making infrastructure investments like these not only provides for improved water distribution and treatment, it puts people to work now and it lays the foundation for improved sustainable growth in the future."
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, education, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the economic health of rural communities. During the last four years the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 158 communities, investing more than $3.7 Billion into local economies through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
For more information on Rural Development programs available in East Tennessee contact the Rural Development Area Office in Knoxville at (865) 523-3338 ext. 4, toll free (800) 342-3149 ext. 1491, or find more details at www.rurdev.usda.gov/TN.