Governor Phil Bredesen and state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens announced on Wednesday, a $20,000 grant to the city of Chattanooga to assist with urban forestry management planning and tree inventory activities.
"Our urban forests are an important resource and, managed properly, can help reduce heat buildup, control storm water and improve the quality of life in our urban environment," said Gov. Bredesen. "This program is making a difference by helping our cities and communities maximize the benefit of this vital and often underutilized resource."
The grant was approved after a review by state urban forestry officials and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council grant review committee. Urban forestry grants are used by cities, communities and non-profit organizations for projects such as hiring urban foresters, conducting educational programs and tree inventories or for tree planting.
Urban Forestry is a USDA Forest Service funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry to help local governments and organizations better manage their urban forest resources. Properly managed trees in urban environments can aid economic development efforts and help with air quality, heat island effect, storm water retention, water quality and aesthetics.
"Tennessee is a forested state and this natural resource is just as important to our developed areas as it is to our countryside," said Mr. Givens. "We're glad to provide these grants to improve urban forestry management in communities across the state."
Chattanooga was one of five municipalities across the state to share in a total of $85,000 in urban forestry grants. Since 1991, the state Division of Forestry has distributed more than $4 million in federal funding for urban forestry projects.
The federally funded program is supported by U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, and U.S. Rep. Zack Wamp. The grant to Chattanooga is also supported by the Tennessee General Assembly including state Sen. Andy Berke and state Reps. Tommie Brown and Joanne Favors.