Rep. Bart Gordon

WASHINGTON-Last month, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law in response to growing unemployment, budget shortfalls, and outdated infrastructure.  Today, Congressman Bart Gordon announced the creation of the “Economic Recovery Center” on his website, which offers comprehensive explanations about the benefits included in and made available by the ARRA.

“This downturn has affected families, small businesses, local and state governments, and the list goes on and on,” said Congressman Gordon. “The Recovery Act is designed to provide relief through a number of tools, and the Recovery Center on my website explains where it can be found.”

The web address to Gordon’s “Economic Recovery Center” is www.bart.house.gov/recovery.  It includes descriptions of individual and family tax incentives, the funding allocated to the State of Tennessee, and information on the federal grant and loan programs that received funding in the ARRA.

“The tax incentives and funding provided to the State are crucial elements of the Recovery package,” explained Gordon.  “However, I want to make sure local governmental and non-governmental organizations are also aware of the federal grant and loan programs, and the 53-page ‘Middle Tennessee Resource Guide’ is intended to clearly explain this component of the package.”

The “Middle Tennessee Resource Guide,” which can be found on the Gordon Recovery Center webpage, provides funding totals and descriptions for each of the grant and loan programs, in addition to eligibility information.  The Resource Guide also provides the contact information for many of the government agencies and local area offices overseeing each program.

“It is my hope this Resource Guide will help local organizations weather the current economic storm, save or create jobs, and eventually get Middle Tennessee on the path to economic recovery,” added Gordon.  “The list of grant programs is comprehensive – from rural development to energy research and broadband internet access initiatives.”