NASHVILLE-Governor Phil Bredesen has recommended a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for Newport Utilities to provide a new storage tank and water main extensions that are required to satisfy storage deficiencies and to extend water service to the remaining residents of the Edwina-Bridgeport area in need of a potable water supply.                                  
"I am proud to recommend Newport Utilities for assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission," Governor Bredesen said. "Tennessee's 52 Appalachian counties benefit tremendously from these grants, and we appreciate the ARC's investment in the economic growth of our communities."
"ARC grants give Appalachian communities the means to fulfill their unique economic development potential," Rep. Eddie Yokley said. "The leaders of Newport Utilities should be commended for their initiative and determination to encourage growth."
"Investing in basic infrastructure and quality of life improvement projects is a pre-requisite to successful economic development, and ARC grants make that kind of investment possible in many Tennessee communities," ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. "The funds benefit not only the local communities, but ultimately their region and the state."
The project will benefit 229 households in the Edwina-Bridgeport area. Funding for the $850,500 project will include $350,500 in local funds.
The grant was recommended following an application by Newport Utilities and has the support of Manager Ron Fugatt, state Sen. Steve Southerland and state Rep. Eddie Yokley. U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander and Congressman Phil Roe also aided in securing the funds.
Allocation of ARC funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The recommended project will now be forwarded to Washington for review and approval. The Department of Economic and Community Development administers the ARC program in Tennessee. The program provides resources to help leverage community development and economic growth opportunities in Tennessee's Appalachian communities.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique partnership composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. For more information, visit www.arc.gov.