PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT – Loretto Sewer Improvement Project

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Appalachian Regional Commission announced today approval of a grant in the amount of $400,000 to the City of Loretto for the Loretto Sewer Improvement Project. The project is expected to result in 70 jobs created and $6.5 million of private investment leveraged.

“Over 75% of new jobs and capital investment within a community are generated by existing industry. The City of Loretto is no different with a strong local industrial base that is capitalizing on opportunities to grow and expand,” explained Loretto Mayor Jesse Turner. “As such, we must have the necessary and available infrastructure to assist in their growth. I am proud to have the Appalachian Regional Commission recognize these needs within our region and partner with us along with the State of Tennessee to address our inflow and infiltration challenges.”

The project involves the rehabilitation of 10,000 linear feet of sewer line pipe and the replacement of 1,000 additional feet of sewer line to address issues of inflow and infiltration. Three local employers are unable to expand as desired into an industrial park recently purchased by the city until the inflow and infiltration issues are addressed and the city’s self-imposed moratorium on adding sewer customers can be lifted.

This project is being funded through ARC’s Southern Appalachia Automotive Workforce grant dollars. In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $586,250, bringing the total project funding to $986,250.

“These federal, state, and local partnerships are crucial to communities as we all work together to implement solutions for our identified needs,” continued Turner. 

About the Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. More information is available at www.arc.gov.

Date Approved: 7/11/2021