Bredesen Announces Parks and Recreation Grants

Grants Will Help Millersville, Unicoi Create Parks and Recreation Departments

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke today announced the city of Millersville and the town of Unicoi will each receive a $50,000 Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program, or TRIP, grant to help establish parks and recreation departments and hire professional parks and recreation directors.

 

“Creating places in our communities where people can enjoy scenic landscapes and take part in sports and recreational activities enhances the quality of life for all Tennesseans,” said Bredesen.  “I’m pleased we can provide funding through this grant program to help communities enhance local parks and recreation opportunities for their citizens.”

 

TRIP grants cover a three year term, providing $25,000 in each of the first two years, which the local government matches.  The local community then takes over the entire cost of the program in the third year.  The grants will allow the Millersville and Unicoi to each create a parks and recreation department, including upkeep of existing park facilities and planning and administration of new recreation programs and facilities.

 

The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program was created in 1995 by the General Assembly. TRIP grants are administered through the Department of Environment and Conservation and provide funding to governments that do not currently have parks and recreation services within their jurisdictions.  Any incorporated city or county government may apply for funding through a competitive matching grant process.

 

“Approximately 35 percent of Tennesseans are not currently served by an organized local parks and recreation program,” said Fyke.  “I am always pleased to see communities access this program to help provide parks amenities for their citizens.”

 

For more information about parks, recreation and trails grants administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation, visit www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants.shtml.

 

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