Economic Development Grant Awarded to Lenoir City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) is pleased to announce that Lenoir City has been awarded a grant by the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to promote commercial growth and development. 

"President Bush believes one way to create jobs is to grow the economy by encouraging investments in local communities," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandy K. Baruah. 

The $750,000 grant has been awarded to the Lenoir City Utilities Board to help expand the capacity of the city's wastewater treatment plant to accommodate commercial growth and development.  The EDA investment is expected to help attract $15 million in private investment and create an estimated 80 jobs for local citizens.

"This grant is an important infrastructure investment for Lenoir City and the surrounding communities," said Congressman Duncan.  "I am once again pleased that East Tennessee will benefit from a grant aimed at expanding the economy and creating jobs."

EDA's mission is guided by the basic principle that distressed communities must be empowered to develop and implement their own economic development and revitalization strategies.  EDA leads the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing all jurisdictions for success in the global economy.