Hamilton County, Meigs County and the City of Cleveland are among 29 communities that will receive over $999,000 in Tourism Enhancement Grants to assist with tourism infrastructure assets, Governor Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd announced Wednesday.
“We want to congratulate all 29 communities on receiving Tourism Enhancement Grants,” Governor Haslam said. “These grants showcase how great the partnership is between tourist development and economic development. With the support of these grants, each community will be better equipped to succeed in our state and I look forward to seeing these Tennessee communities thrive.”
The grants assist counties and cities in improving local assets to increase the economic impact of tourism.
“I am pleased to announce these 29 communities that have been awarded the Tourism Enhancement Grant,” Comm. Boyd said. “It is always exciting when communities choose to invest in economic development initiatives to grow and succeed in our state. Tourism development is economic development, and with the assistance of the Tourism Enhancement Grant and our partnership with Commissioner Kevin Triplett and the Department of Tourist Development, each community will be able to invest in their assets and grow their local economy.”
The city of Cleveland is the recipient of a $50,000 grant to assist with tourism infrastructure assets.
"The funds for this grant will be used to enhance the Greenway Park stage with lighting and sound equipment," Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland said.
"Checking with our Parks and Recreation Department, this facility is often used throughout the week by groups and individuals. The stage is an asset not only to the Greenway Park but the city itself, for providing wholesome outdoor entertainment.
"We especially want to thank Governor Haslam, Commissioner Boyd and our legislative delegation for their support," the mayor said. "I am excited we were selected for one of these competitive grants."
The Tourism Enhancement Grants were jointly funded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development with the assistance of the Appalachian Regional Commission.
“We celebrate with each community receiving the Tourism Enhancement Grant,” Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett said. “Tourism development is an important part of every community, but in some cases we were finding a lack of infrastructure to fully take advantage of some tourism opportunities. We appreciate our great partners at TNECD for coming to the table with this initiative for communities to enhance their local tourism assets.”
An advisory committee made up of staff from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture selected the 29 communities from a pool of 61 grant applications.
The grants awarded include:
· Anderson County - $40,000
· City of Bolivar - $50,000
· City of Brownsville - $50,000
· Carroll County - $50,000
· City of Cleveland - $50,000
· Decatur County - $43,000
· City of Etowah - $50,000
· Fentress County - $27,000
· Town of Gainesboro - $45,270
· Greene County - $44,898
· Hamblen County - $7,000
· Hamilton County - $20,000
· City of Henderson - $5,250
· Johnson County - $47,168
· City of Lafayette - $50,000
· Lauderdale County - $20,000
· City of Livingston - $50,000
· City of Manchester - $41,510
· City of McMinnville - $28,500
· Meigs County - $20,000
· Metropolitan Lynchburg - $50,000
· Monroe County - $20,000
· Robertson County - $5,050
· Scott County - $48,707
· Smith County - $50,000
· City of Tiptonville - $31,262
· Unicoi County - $20,000
· Wayne County - $25,000
· City of Winchester - $35,000
Each application was supported by the community’s senator and representatives in the Tennessee General Assembly.