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Sen. Kay Hagan Announces Grant to Build Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Blowing Rock

June 17, 2014. Senator Kay Hagan today announced a $426,945 grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct water and wastewater infrastructure needed to serve the new Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), which will be located in the Town of Blowing Rock. The grant is expected to create 59 jobs and save 110 jobs.

The project, which partners ARHS and Appalachian State University’s College of Health Sciences, will boost health care sciences career development and advance workforce skills.

“This grant is an important investment in Blowing Rock and will improve the quality of life for the entire community,” Hagan said. “I applaud this important partnership between ARHS and Appalachian State to enhance students’ experience and better prepare our next generation of healthcare professionals. I am working in the Senate to make sure we continue investing in infrastructure improvements for North Carolina’s rural communities.”

“The Town of Blowing Rock very much appreciates the Economic Development Administration’s financial support of this project aimed at saving 59 existing jobs and providing 110 new ones while supporting post acute care services for Blowing Rock and the surrounding region,” Blowing Rock Town Manager, Scott Fogleman said.“It is only through grant partnerships such as this that we would be able to provide this very important utility project.”

Senator Hagan sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Erskine in July 2013 touting the benefits this investment would bring to North Carolina’s High Country and urging full consideration of ARHS’ grant application.

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, including number of jobs created, eligibility and availability of funds.