MISS. LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $350,000 GRANT
TO SUPPORT MONROE COUNTY JOBS PROJECT

Appalachian Regional Commission Award Linked to Smithville Tornado Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, joined by Congressman Alan Nunnelee, today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $350,000 grant for the construction of a facility to support jobs in Smithville and Monroe County, whose economic base took a hit when a massive EF-5 tornado ripped through the region in April.

The $350,000 grant from ARC will be combined with $265,800 in state funding to construct a 38,400-square-foot building in Smithville to support the return of furniture manufacturing to the devastated town.  Monroe County would own the facility, which would also be accessible to additional potential tenant companies.

“These Appalachian Regional Commission resources are part of a coordinated public and private effort to get Smithville back on its feet.  The goal of this construction project is to rebuild a community by restoring opportunities for companies and the jobs they offer to return to this area,” Cochran said.

“As Smithville rebuilds, this grant should help create jobs for the region,” said Wicker.  “The storm that struck Smithville caused utter devastation, but residents there remain resilient.  I will continue working with local officials to make sure Monroe County recovers.”

“On April 27, the dreams, hopes, and plans for many in Monroe County changed. This project is part of a rebuilding effort that will support job creation and give Smithville a prosperous future,” Nunnelee said.

ARC estimates that this project is expected to create 80 new jobs, retain 120 existing positions and leverage $100,000 in private investments.

In addition to the construction of the prefabricated metal building, the ARC funding will also support utility infrastructure requirements.

Created by Congress in 1965, ARC is a regional economic development agency incorporating 13 Appalachian states.  It works with federal, state and local entities to promote job creation, community development, infrastructure improvements and other projects to improve the quality of life in Appalachia.

Cochran and Nunnelee serve, respectively, on the Senate and House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittees which set federal funding levels for ARC.