Rural Development Area Director Rickey Hickman today joined Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association (TOHA) Executive Director Linda Caldwell and Etowah Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Durant Tullock to announce Rural Development funding of $49,984 for bridge repair along the heritage railroad.  The announcement took place at the Historic Etowah L&N Train Depot.

"The Overhill Heritage Association has done an outstanding job of using the resources at hand to diversify and strengthen the local economy," said Hickman. "I'm glad Rural Development has the financial resources to help them continue to build for the future."

The Rural Development rural business enterprise grant will fund improvements to three bridges on the Old Line Railroad between Etowah and Copperhill, Tennessee. TOHA owns the line and has an operating agreement with the Chattanooga-based Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to run Hiwassee River Rail Adventure (HRRA) excursions for tourist and special events in McMinn and Polk Counties. Last year more than 15,000 people participated in the rail excursions.

Over the last several years tourism generated by the area's natural resources, like the Ocoee, bike trails and the railroad, has also attracted entrepreneurs. These new community leaders have opened new businesses and hired workers to serve the needs of a growing number of visitors and the local clientele alike.

Other local leaders participating in the announcement included Sen. Bob Corker's Representative Betsy Ranalli, U.S. Rep. John Duncan's Representative Linda Higdon, Polk County Mayor Mike Stinnett, McMinn County Trustee Phil Tuggle, Etowah Chamber President Marvin Taylor and Rural Development Specialist Alisa Farmer.

Rural Development’s rural business enterprise grant program provides assistance to public or not-for-profit entities that support small business development programs, develop local business infrastructure, provide job training, conduct feasibility studies or provide technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities in Tennessee by investing financial and technical assistance through housing, community and business development programs.  In Fiscal Year 2007 Rural Development assisted more than 600,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $308 million in financial assistance through loans and grants.

For more information on business development, affordable housing or community facilities programs available in the area, contact the Rural Development Area Office in Chattanooga at 423-756-2239, ext. 2, toll free at 800-342-3149 ext. 1492 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.