NASHVILLE-Governor Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber recently approved a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist in infrastructure improvements at two target areas in the Point Pleasant Community of Cocke County.

"The grants awarded through this program provide funding needed to maintain and update community resources and improve the overall economic and environmental health of Tennessee," said Bredesen.

"I'm proud the state of Tennessee can provide funding to communities to help spur economic growth and create jobs."

 The funds will be used to construct a water line extension to serve 57 homes. Funding for the $561,798 project will include $61,798 in local funds. The grant dollars were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly.

"These grants are evidence of the state's commitment to helping our communities prosper," said Kisber.

"CDBG grants help increase our state's economic edge and provide opportunities for our communities to improve their overall economic development strategies."

"This CDBG grant will pave the way for continued economic progress in Cocke County," Rep. Eddie Yokley said. "I congratulate the community leaders for their work in securing the funds, and I look forward to seeing the fruit, including new jobs, of this valuable aid.

"I'm so pleased we were able to get a grant in times like this."

"I am extremely pleased that Gov. Phil Bredesen has awarded Cocke County a Community Development Block Grant for a waterline extension in the Point Pleasant community.  Our economic development team has always been very tenacious in our efforts to get waterlines to areas in our county that need them, and I want to personally thank Gov. Bredesen for once again recognizing our collaborative efforts in helping our county realize its full potential as a viable, sustainable rural community.  I also want to thank State Rep. Eddie Yokley, State Sen. Steve Southerland, Newport Utilities General Manager Ron Fugatt, and Cocke County Partnership President Don Hurst.  This is just another example of what we can achieve when we work together, in partnership, to improve the quality of life for our people."

The grant was approved following an application by Cocke County and has the support of County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. and Rep. Eddie Yokley and Sen. Steve Southerland. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe aided in securing the funds.

 Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development's mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov. "I'm just so pleased that we were able to get these grants in times like this and I appreciate all those who work to get them," said state Rep. Eddie Yokley.