Gov. Phil Bredesen and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber have announced the approved a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to assist a water line extension project that will serve 56 homes in three target areas in Bedford County.

"I'm very pleased the state of Tennessee can offer this financial assistance to Bedford County for their water line extension project," Bredesen said. "The types of infrastructure repair and modernization projects funded by Community Development Block Grants benefit and boost development at the local level and lead to the continued improvement of our state's economic health."

State Rep. Curt Cobb said that the state funded the top seven grants according to its normal funding formula, but Bedford County ranked 9th or 10th on that list. He said the governor's office had used some of its discretionary funding to make the project happen and praised Bredesen for his intervention.

"This is for water, and you know how important water is," said Cobb. He said the grant would fund projects in the Flat Creek and Wartrace areas.

"Our community deserves congratulations for working together to secure this grant," Cobb said. "Community development is impossible without teamwork, and this award is evidence that Bedford County understands that need for cooperation."

Funding for the $700,000 project will include $200,000 in local funds. The funds were provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and were allocated under a procedure authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly. The grants were approved by the ECD Loan and Grant Committee following an application by each county.

"CDBG grants offer needed support to communities at the most basic levels of infrastructure, including well-kept roads and effective water and sewer facilities," Kisber said. "ECD is pleased to lend its support to this program that is so essential to the progress of communities across the state."

The grant was approved following an application by Bedford County and was supported by County Mayor Eugene Ray, State Sen. Jim Tracy and Cobb. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon aided in securing the funds.

"To see the fruits of a concerted effort toward development in Bedford County is truly encouraging," Tracy said. "This CDBG grant represents a significant step of progress in the economic potential of our community."

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.