Ducktown will be getting more street lights, thanks to a $40,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant and a $30,000 match from the city. Congressman Zach Wamp, Rural Development Director Mary Ruth Tackett and a representative of U.S. Senator visited Ducktown Monday to award the grant.

Tackett said her agency appreciates the opportunity to help rural communities, noting the new street lights will be an asset. The plan calls for installation of 20 post lamps along Main Street from College Street, across Hwy. 68, to Douglas Street.

Wamp pointed out that Ducktown is the most solvent municipality in the state, adding former Mayor Carmel Gibson gets a good deal of credit for being tight fisted with the city’s money, providing the ability to do things to improve the quality of life. In a town like Ducktown, he said, $40,000 will go a long way. “During this time of economic uncertainty, it is encouraging to see the federal government investing in economic development in our east Tennessee communities,” he said. Tackett added, “This grant will improve safety for local businesses and pedestrians and provide infrastructure for future economic development.”

Wamp said the revival of America’s rural main streets builds strong, close-knit communities by providing safe, vibrant places for families. Wamp spoke of the importance of rural values, saying it is important for children to grow up in rural areas but also to have amenities like street lights.

Several members of the Chamber of Commerce were on hand and Wamp said he was impressed with the volunteer effort to help the community.

The Rural Business Enterprise Grant program provides help to public and non-profit entities to support community economic development programs that assist small businesses.