$500,000grant to Cocke Co

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Bill Jenkins said this week that a $500,000 federal grant to Cocke County is expected to bring 150 jobs to the region. Jenkins said the funding is provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission and will be used to aid in the installation of new water lines to a developing area of Cocke County adjacent to the interchange of I-40 and U. S. 321. The grant will underwrite the installation of  27,000 feet of 8-12 inch waterline, three pump stations and installation and engineering fees.  The funding also will open up nearly 1,000 acres of land to new commercial, retail, residential and recreational development.  In addition, a new home improvement center is opening operations that will create 150 jobs over the next five years with an investment up to $40,000,000 in facility construction.  The land also will also support an anticipated 185 residential units, a new shopping center and recreational and motel developments. The total project is expected to cost $1,179,960 with Cocke County providing $679,960 in matching funds. “This project will bring a tremendous economic shot-in-the-arm for Cocke County,”  Jenkins commented.