IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                            From Congressman Bill Jenkins

May 24, 2005                                                                                                                                             Contact: Paul Mays 423-247-8161   

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A federal grant of $34,000 and a loan of $916,000 have been approved to update the Boys and Girls Club of Newport.

Congressman Bill Jenkins said this week the funds are made available by Rural Development, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Jenkins said the money will be used to construct a new and larger facility for Newport’s young people by adding 10,143 square feet and serve up to 1000 youths.

The project is co-funded with; $350,000 from local contributions and $100,000 from the Boys and Girls Club.

Jenkins said loan carries an interest rate of 4.25 percent for a term of 38 years.

Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan issued the following statement regarding funding:

“This is wonderful news about our community being awarded the grant and loan. I want to especially thank Congressman Bill Jenkins for working on our behalf to secure this financial package for this much-needed addition to our Boys and Girls Club program. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Mary Ruth Tackett and the fine folks of USDA Rural Development for sharing; in our vision of a better community for our children and investing in that vision.”

“I also want to thank Leon Bryant and the Newport Housing Authority board of directors for stepping up to the plate and engaging in the initial steps of this incredible opportunity to benefit the youth of our city and county. Their vision to recognize our need and take action now is just another testament to their commitment and dedication to our young people. I applaud their efforts, share their vision and look forward in partnership to build a facility worthy of our youth.”