| Governor Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber recently approved more than $28 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to assist with infrastructure improvements in Tennessee.
Of those funds, Weakley County will gain more than $375,000 reserved for Palmersville and the City of Gleason.
One of the grants received in the amount of $186,168 will benefit the Palmersville Fire Department and allow the rural department to purchase a new fire truck.
Funding for the $204,580 project will include $18,412 in local funds.
A second grant announced by the state will benefit the City of Gleason as it looks to make infrastructure improvements.
Gleason was awarded $190,217 to purchase a new fire truck for its department.
The project will cost approximately $196,100 with $5,883 of that amount in local funds.
“Programs like CDBG make it possible for communities to strengthen their foundations, preparing them for economic growth and job creation they might not otherwise experience,” Rep. Mark Maddox said. “We understand the significance of this grant to Weakley County, and we are grateful for it.”
“This CDBG grant will pave the way for continued economic progress in Weakley County,” Sen. Roy Herron said. “I congratulate the community leaders for their work in securing the funds, and I look forward to seeing the fruit, including new jobs, of this valuable aid.”
“The grants awarded through this program provide funding needed to maintain and update community resources and improve the overall economic and environmental health of Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “I’m proud the state of Tennessee can provide funding to communities to help spur economic growth and create jobs.”
“These grants are evidence of the state’s commitment to helping our communities prosper,” said Kisber. “CDBG grants help increase our state’s economic edge and provide opportunities for our communities to improve their overall economic development strategies.”
The grants were approved following applications by Weakley County and the City of Gleason. They have the support of Weakley County Mayor Houston Patrick, Gleason Mayor Jack Dunning, Sen. Roy Herron and Rep. Mark Maddox. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Congressman John Tanner aided in securing the funds.
Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.
To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.
WCP 11.03.09 |
