Seven cities among recipients of USDA funds

Seven municipalities are among recipients of $222 million in nationwide investments announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Tennessee Rural Development Acting State Director Dan Beasley is pleased to announce more than $30 million to support city improvements, food security, and emergency response services for more than 92,000 rural residents.

“We are committed to partnering with rural communities to help rebuild the economy and improve community infrastructure,” Beasley said. “It is imperative that communities have the essential services they need to ensure the safety and enrichment of its citizens.”

Ashland City has received a $5.3 million loan to finance the building of a new city hall as well as a $5.5 million loan and $250,000 grant to finance a new fire hall project. 

The Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historic Society in Charleston will receive a $4,200 grant to update equipment at the Hiwassee Heritage Center in Charleston. 

The city of Milan will use a $2.4 million loan and a $336,400 grant to construct a farmers’ market in downtown Milan as well as a multi-modal trail that will connect the downtown area to city park and conduct street resurfacing.

The town of Rutherford will receive a $247,000 loan and $100,000 grant to resurface five city streets in need of repair while Spring City will use a $320,000 loan and $55,000 grant to purchase a new pumper truck for the Spring City Volunteer Fire Department to improve protection for the public and local businesses.  

The town of Tiptonville will use a $50,000 grant to purchase a new street sweeper to prevent debris from clogging streets and storm drains while Union City will use a $175,000 grant to purchase emergency response equipment that will replace outdated equipment. Union City plans to purchase new patrol vehicles for the law enforcement department, new emergency response communication equipment and a street sweeper and pickup truck for flood maintenance and prevention efforts from the public works department. 

Additionally, funds were also awarded to three Tennessee counties. Grundy County will use a $21,000 grant to purchase equipment for the new Grundy County Food Bank located in Coalmont. Humphrey’s County received a $15.1 million loan for a new sheriff’s department complex and Carroll county received a $34,800 grant to purchase new highway maintenance trucks. 

The funds are part of the federal Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.