To continue its expansion of gas lines Jefferson Cocke County Utility District (JCCUD) commissioners agreed to apply for a loan of up to $300,000 for major projects next year.

"Although we have some money in the bank, we need to start preliminary loan work," said Tommy Bible, JCCUD general manager, during the November board meeting.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to authorize management to request a loan from the USDA in the amount of $300,000 to fund capital projects during fiscal year 2014, which begins in April 2013. The total capital costs are expected to be about $800,000.

For more details, please see the weekend edition of the Newport Plain Talk.