Legislation introduced on Sept. 14 by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) would add certain Tennessee counties to the definition of “Appalachian region,” which is served by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
S. 2739, which Sen. Blackburn sponsored with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN), would add Hickman, Humphreys, and Perry counties to the definition, allowing them to compete for $110 million in federal funding provided by the ARC, according to Sen. Blackburn’s bill summary.
“Smaller Tennessee counties are often left behind when competing for federal funding,” Sen. Blackburn said. “This legislation will ensure that officials in Hickman, Humphreys, and Perry counties have access to the kinds of growth opportunities that will strengthen the job market, encourage economic development, and spur educational initiatives.”
During the previous fiscal year, the ARC in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development supported 46 projects totaling $13 million and benefiting the 2.9 million residents in Tennessee’s 52 Appalachian counties, according to Sen. Blackburn’s office.
The bill has garnered support from U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Hickman County Mayor Mark Bentley, Humphreys County Mayor Jessie Wallace, and Perry County Mayor John Carroll.