Tennessee Governor Targets County With 25% Unemployment Rate for New Jobs

Democratic Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a plan to bring 300 jobs to Perry County, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation.

With 760 unemployed residents, Perry County had an unemployment rate of 25.4% in March, the fourth highest rate among US counties. Nearly 50% of the county’s work force of 3,000 were employed in the auto industry in 2000, down to 5% nine years later.

The 300 new positions include government and private sector jobs to be funded by federal stimulus money through September 2010.

Pay will range between minimum wage and $15.85 per hour.

An additional 200 Perry County residents, ages 14-24, will be eligible for the Summer Youth Employment Program. The statewide program provides summer jobs and training opportunities to low-income youth.