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USDA Invests $60 million in Rural Community Infrastructure in Tennessee

Name
Charron Culp
Phone
City
NASHVILLE
Release Date

LAKELAND, Tenn., July 30, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development – Tennessee is pleased to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Tennessee.

“The USDA Community Facilities Loan was a perfect solution to the financial challenge of providing high school facilities for Lakeland's students. Nearly three years after the funding was approved, we are preparing to share this beautiful new building with our students and community,” Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System Superintendent said. “Working with the USDA Rural Development staff has been incredibly smooth, and their responsiveness and feedback have allowed us to meet our financial and timeline goals. These facilities will serve and benefit students and families in Lakeland for decades to come.”

The city of Lakeland received a $60 million loan through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. This Rural Development investment was used to construct a new high school and provide additional funding to Lakeland Middle School.

"We are excited to celebrate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lakeland High School. This is a great investment for the community, city, and people of Lakeland and Shelby County, Tenn.," Arlisa Armstrong, Tennessee State Director said. "We are committed to partnering with rural communities to help improve community infrastructure and ensuring communities have the essential services they need for the safety and enhancement of its people."

Others participating in the event include Mike Cunningham, Mayor, City of Lakeland; Michael Walker, Interim City Manager, City of Lakeland; Kevin Floyd, Board Chairman, Lakeland School System; Nick Kistenmacher, Field Rep, Senator Marsha Blackburn Office; Chris Connolly, Field Rep, Senator Bill Hagerty Office; Representative David Kustoff’s Office and USDA Rural Development – Tennessee State Director, Arlisa Armstrong.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/tn. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
 
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

 

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