WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) approved a grant of $300,000 to the Tippah County Board of Supervisors for the Tippah County Building and Access Road Improvements, Cong. Travis Childers said Thursday.

In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $200,000 and local sources will provide $150,000, bringing the total project funding to $650,000.

The project is expected to result in $1 million of private investment, the retention of 223 existing jobs and 30 existing part-time jobs, and the creation of dozens of new jobs, according to information from Cong. Childers’ office.

“We are grateful that Congressman Childers was able to procure these funds for this project.” Said Third District Supervisor Ronnie Dunnam in whose district the project is located.

Board of Supervisors Attorney Sean Akins provided details of the grant Friday morning.

“The county bought the old Printcraft building from Benchcraft, a year or so ago, and plans to lease that building to Big M Logistics to expand their logistics business there.

“The county will use the grant money for road improvements to get to the building, and also use some money to improve the building itself. The improvements will bring it up to standards so Big M can use that building for its logistics business. That’s where the jobs will come from.

“The work will commence as soon as the grant money is in hand, hopefully before the end of the year. It all depends on the weather. The work will be done in phases, with the inside work to be done in the building, and then the paving. The funds will also be used to clear several acres of property where Big M will park the trucks they are adding to their fleet.” Akins said.

“Big M appreciates the County’s efforts to help expand its business and bring needed jobs to our County.” said Michael Massengill, President of Big M Transportation. “Without the county’s cooperation, this expansion would not be possible.”

Said Cong. Childers: “These significant funds will promote economic development and create jobs in Tippah County by investing in critical infrastructure,

“By improving a major industrial building and creating an access road, this project will contribute to North Mississippi’s economic growth and recovery. During today’s tough times, this is a prime example of the kind of infrastructure project that will spur growth and put North Mississippians back to work.”

The county will make a number of improvements to the purchased building and site. The building requires the removal and replacement of deteriorated and dilapidated flooring and ceiling, the replacement of plumbing fixtures and electrical networking, and the replacement of heating and cooling systems.

Site improvements include clearing, grubbing, adjusting elevations, and topping the site improvements with 5 inches of crushed stone. An access road of approximately 715 linear feet will need to be constructed to provide access to the building and the area of site improvements.

The ARC grant and the $200,000 grant were written by Jack Griffith and Associates of Corinth.

A pro-gun, pro-life Mississippian, Cong. Childers represents the First Congressional District in North Mississippi. He is a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and serves on the House Agriculture and Financial Services Committee. Cong. Childers co-chairs the reestablished bipartisan Congressional Rural Caucus and was appointed to the bipartisan Second Amendment Task Force. For more information, visitwww.childers.house.gov.