IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                             From Congressman Bill Jenkins

June 20, 2006                                                                                                              Contact: Paul Mays (423) 247-8161

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A Rural Business Enterprise Grant of $300,000 that is expected to bring 50 new jobs has been approved for use in Hawkins County.

Congressman Bill Jenkins said this week the funding is provided by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.

Jenkins said the money will be used to assist in financing the development of a 62,500 square foot industrial building in the Phipps Bend Industrial District.

The congressman added that the Tennessee Valley Authority is contributing; $700,000 in supplemental loan funds toward the project that is expected to bring a new business and the 50 jobs.

“This is good news for Hawkins County and the surrounding area in providing additional employment at the Phipps Bens facility,” Jenkins commented.