Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

January 22, 2004

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Secures $110,000 for Erwin

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he has secured $110,000 in federal funds for the Town of Erwin to renovate the water and wastewater treatment facilities from the Swift Denim plant. The renovated Swift facilities will solve several serious issues with the Town's current water and sewer facilities and will assist with new business recruitment in the area.

"This news couldn't happen to a more deserving town," Etheridge said. The people of Erwin are strong, hard working and resilient. This federal money will ensure that the Town has safe, clean water and will help bring new business to the area. This project will put Erwin's economy on the road to recovery."

Etheridge secured the funds through the State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) program, which is administered through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Each year in the appropriations process, Congress identifies a number of "special needs" projects by name and dollar amount for funding as grants from EPA.

Erwin Mayor George Joseph was excited about the funding. "We appreciate Bob Etheridge's leadership bringing good things to Erwin. Losing the Swift Denim plant was a blow to our tax base and our budget. This project will be a big boost to our community and our economy."

Mayor Joseph and Etheridge will announce the news at tonight's Erwin Chamber of Commerce banquet at the Frisco City Club.