$761,060 grant will go to improve Erwin sidewalks

(NASHVILLE) – State Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) recently announced that the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is providing a Community Development Block Grant to Erwin.The grant will assist Erwin in sidewalk improvements.Erwin has been awarded $761,060 to advance these upgrades, which will provide safer, more accessible and better-equipped sidewalks for the community to enjoy for years to come."We're proud to see this investment in Erwin," said Sen. Southerland. "Sidewalk improvements not only enhance safety and accessibility, but they also help strengthen our downtown and improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike. I'm grateful for the partnership between state and local leaders that made this project possible."Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also remarked on the grant."Ensuring that our local infrastructure is equipped to meet the demands of future economic development is a top priority for our administration," said Gov. Lee."Congratulations to these 44 communities for taking the necessary steps to strengthen their local economies," Southerland said. "I look forward to seeing the lasting, positive impact this investment will bring."The CDBG program is one of the most valuable tools for helping Tennessee communities prepare for future economic growth, according to Stuart McWhorter, deputy governor and commissioner of the TNECD."We're thrilled to support these 44 projects and thankful for the strong local leadership and partnership that make this progress possible," McWhorter said.The allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level. The CDBG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by TNECD. Funds are available for water and sewer improvements, health and safety projects and other improvements to enhance the quality of life in Tennessee's rural communities.More information about the TNECD and CDBG can be found here.