The U.S. Department of Commerce is awarding a $2.7 million grant to Dayton, Tennessee, to upgrade water infrastructure needed to protect local businesses from future flood events.
The department's Economic Development Administration is awarding the grant, which will be matched with $11.8 million in local funds.
The Commerce Department said the project is expected to help support expansion plans of various industries in the region. The department cited the creation of 660 jobs and private investment of more than $415 million.
"The Trump Administration recognizes the challenges American communities face following natural disasters," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in a statement. "This project will help the local business community remain strong through flooding and other future natural disasters that may impact the region."
The project funds upgrades to the Dayton Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect businesses from future flood events. The project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southeast Tennessee Development District.
The Economic Development Administration funds the development district to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development road map to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded through a $600 million budget for such projects for the administration's Economic Adjustment Assistance Program for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires and other 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.
"Disaster relief, infrastructure repair, and protection is an important federal responsibility," said U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.