U.S. Department of Commerce's $1.5 million grant to a water commission in Greeneville, Tenn., will improve sewer infrastructure and also support local business and job growth.
The grant, intended for the Greeneville Water Commission, came from Commerce's Economic Development Administration for sewer infrastructure improvements, according to a March 29 news release. The grant also has the full support of President Joe Biden's administration.
"President Biden remains committed to ensuring that our communities get the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in the release. "This EDA infrastructure investment will support business and job growth in Greeneville and expand an already-existing industry in the area."
The grant will pay for infrastructure improvements to provide reliable sewer service capacity that will allow a local plastics manufacturer to expand its operations while supporting future business and industrial growth, according to the news release. The grant will be matched with $1.6 million in local funds "and is expected to help create or retain more than 200 jobs and generate $3.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates."
Money for the grant came from the Assistance to Coal Communities initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis with the goal of assisting communities that have been severely impacted by the declining use of coal, the release reported. Assistance to Coal Communities projects work to support economic diversification, capital investment, job creation, workforce development and re-employment opportunities.
First Tennessee Development District facilitated the project and regional planning efforts, bringing together public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap that aims to strengthen the region's economy, support private capital investment and creates jobs, according to the release.
"The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support local efforts to create new economic opportunities and jobs," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in the news release. "This project will provide reliable sewer service to support economic diversification and create jobs in a region impacted by the declining use of coal."
