USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Harriet Cannon today joined Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates to announce a funding award for the Monroe County Jail and Justice Center. Monroe County received a Community Facilities Direct Loan in the amount of $30,917,200.
“The funding award presented today demonstrates Monroe County’s commitment to improving the county and its services,” Cannon said. “This award will provide the funds necessary to assist the county in improving the safety of the community.”
The Monroe County Jail and Justice Center will be a new facility that will house courtrooms, sheriff’s department, jail and judge’s quarters as well as parking and space for future expansions. This state-of-the art facility has been in the planning phase for almost two years and construction is expected to be complete in 2019. The project has often been referred to as the largest construction project in Monroe County’s history.
Others participating in the event include U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann Field Representative Dr. Maxine Gernert, Monroe County General Sessions Judge Dwaine Thomas, Sheriff Tommy Jones, Economic Development Director Bryan Hall, and USDA Rural Development Area Director Joe Woody and Area Specialist Kirk Morris.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in East Tennessee contact the Knoxville Area Office at 865.523.3338 x 4. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.