TAZEWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest more than $176 million in loans and grants to rural communities across Tennessee, the department announced Tuesday.
The investment is meant to "expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs," according to the news release. It is part of a larger investment of $6.3 billion across 43 states.
This money includes a $34 million loan to the Powell Valley Electric Cooperative which "will be used to connect 2,812 consumers, and build and improve 195 miles of line." The organization, based in New Tazewell, provides electricity to people in Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins and Union Counties as well as some counties in Virginia.
Sneedville Utility District will also get a $53,000 grant to help them provide potable water to the Newman's Ridge community. This includes installing four water lines, adding two pump stations and upgrading an existing one.
“Today’s investments will build modern infrastructure that will attract employers to rural Tennessee, creating jobs, and lasting economic growth for the people who live here,” said USDA Rural Development Tennessee State Director Arlisa Armstrong. “We are pleased to provide more than $176 million to five projects to help strengthen infrastructure in our rural communities, growing the economy from the middle out and bottom up.”