Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

Tarleton Announces Rural Center Grants for Boone and Ashe Family Central

State Representative Cullie Tarleton has announced the awarding of two local grants from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center.

The Town of Boone will receive $168,000 to help offset the cost of the town’s new water interconnect agreement with ASU, part of Boone's Drought Crisis project. “I applaud Boone, Mayor Clawson and the Town Council for their proactive approach to this water crisis exacerbated by the drought that unfortunately continues,” Tarleton said. “I'm also grateful to Chancellor Peacock and ASU for their co-operation. As the drought continues, all of us must work together to both preserve water and to make sure adequate water is available to meet the needs of our growing area.”

Family Central/Ashe County Partnership for Children will receive a $75,000 grant for the Buy Local Meat Project. This grant will allow Creative Food Ventures at Ashe Family Central to provide freezer space/accommodations to farmers who raise and slaughter animals for resale to the public. Having freezer accommodations will allow these farmers to store their meat prior to selling. “Family Central is doing great things not only for Ashe County but for the region," Tarleton said. “Having this new freezer facility will only enhance what they're doing for the citizens of the region. It'll also encourage more local farmers to participate in their Buy Local Meat Project.”

The Rural Center was established in 1987 and is devoted exclusively to state rural advancement. In 2007, the Rural Center received a $138.5 million appropriation from the General Assembly that includes $100 million for the Clean Water Partners Infrastructure Program from which the Boone grant came.