Hamilton County and the city of East Ridge will collectively receive $330,000 to fund local parks and recreation projects, Rep. Vince Dean and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced.
“I promised the citizens of District 30 that I will continue to work for them, and I have kept that promise,” said Rep. Dean. “I am thrilled East Ridge and Hamilton County will now be able to expand our local parks and recreation areas for the benefit of our community and our neighborhoods.”
The TDEC announced it will be giving out 42 grants for parks and recreation projects across Tennessee, totaling more than $6.6 million.
Hamilton County will receive $230,000 in funds, while East Ridge will be awarded a $100,000 grant.
“It was a privilege to work alongside my colleagues in Nashville, particularly Senator Gardenhire, as well as those from the Hamilton County delegation, to secure further growth opportunities for our region,” said Rep. Dean. “I hope it shows Hamilton County I’m still on the job.”
The Tennessee General Assembly will be issuing the grants through its Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant program which was established in 1991. Hamilton County reportedly will use the grant to fund construction of horse trails, a parking area, and an ADA waterless restroom. East Ridge reportedly will apply the grant toward constructing tennis courts, a basketball court, a dog park, a walking trail, and restroom facilities.
“When much of what we hear during the campaign time are empty promises, it is exciting to see real results come to our community and effective investments being made,” said Rep. Dean.