Bredesen Announces Grant to Help Create Hawkins County's First Parks and Recreation Department

Monday, October 23, 2006 | 07:00pm

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today that Hawkins County will receive a Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) grant to help establish the county’s first parks and recreation department and hire its first director.

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

The grant covers a three-year term, providing $25,000 in each of the first two years. Hawkins County will match the grant with $25,000 each year, then take over the entire cost of the program in the third year.

“This is great news for Hawkins County, and this grant will make sure our parks and recreation program gets off to a strong start,” said State Senator Mike Williams.

“This is an important grant program because it helps local governments provide access to things like ball fields and walking trails within their own communities,” said State Representative Mike Harrison. “This will be an excellent thing for Hawkins County.”

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 30 percent of Tennesseans are currently not served by an organized local parks and recreation program,” said Fyke. “So 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.tdec.net/recreation/grants.shtml.

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