State grants to preserve workforce at Unicoi County businesses hit by Helene

The TN Dept of Economic and Community Development has earmarked $4 million in recovery grants for three Unicoi County businesses whose workforce was impacted by Hurricane Helene in September.

The funding will help Foam Products, PlastiExports and PolyPipe retain a collective total of 166 workers and train employees whose jobs were ended when the Riverview Industrial Park in Erwin was flooded with Nolichuckey storm waters from Helene.

“Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented disaster for our state, and one year later, many Tennesseans remain forever changed by the loss of life and severe flood damage,” said Governor Bill Lee in a prepared statement. “I’m proud to announce recovery grants for three Unicoi County companies, which will not only help businesses rebuild and restore operations but also provide job security and strengthen the local economy.”

(IMAGE: Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development)