Haslam Announces TDOT, TDEC Grants For Decatur County
$750,000 in Grants Will Fund Improvements to Downtown Parsons and Riding Arena at Decatur County Fairgrounds
PARSONS – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced two grants totaling almost $750,000 to fund phase IV of the Downtown Improvement Project in Parsons and the Riding Arena Renovation Project at the Decatur County Fairgrounds.
“We want Tennessee to continue to be the very best place to live, work and raise a family, and projects like these are key to making that a reality,” Haslam said. “Making downtown areas more inviting and accessible and providing opportunities for recreation and enjoying outdoor activities enhances the lives of Tennesseans and helps us attract visitors to our state.”
A $496,656 transportation alternative grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will fund phase IV of the Downtown Improvement Project in Parsons, focusing on the area leading into downtown from the west on SR 412. Existing sidewalks in a two block area will be replaced, new trees and landscaping will be installed, and decorative pedestrian lighting will be added along the project area.
The transportation alternative grant is made possible through a federally funded program formerly known as transportation enhancement and is administered by TDOT. A variety of activities, such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.
“Through these grants, TDOT has funded more than $306 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”
A $250,000 Local Park and Recreation Fund grant will be used for a Riding Arena Renovation Project at the Decatur County Fairgrounds. The current arena does not have a roof and is open. These funds will provide a covered riding arena.
“From land acquisitions for new municipal parks, to renovating and improving existing facilities, LPRF grants help expand recreational opportunities for Tennessee citizens,” TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “We are excited to work with Decatur County on this arena project, and we know it will be a popular asset for the community.”
The LPRF is a 23-year old state program that provides local governments with resources to support development and improvements to local parks, greenways, trails and recreational facilities. Grant recipients were selected through competitive scoring with careful consideration given to the projects that met the selection criteria and expressed the greatest local recreation need. All LPRF grants require a 50 percent match by the recipient.
Sen. Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) and Rep. Steve McDaniel (R-Parkers Crossroads) represent Decatur County in the Tennessee General Assembly.