Bredesen, Bone Dedicate Trousdale Ag Pavillion
HARTSVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen today joined state Rep. Stratton Bone Jr., USDA Rural Development and county officials to dedicate the new Trousdale County Agricultural Pavilion at the Trousdale County High School.
“This project is a prime example of how we’re working with local governments to invest in agricultural education and rural economic development,” said Bredesen. “This multipurpose facility will be especially important in serving area youth and adult agricultural education programs and improving livestock production in the county. I’m proud to join with Chairman Bone and our federal partners in supporting this project.”
As part of the dedication ceremony, Bredesen presented county and school officials with a grant for $150,000, which was used to construct the agricultural pavilion and education center. The grant was funded through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, a farm and rural development program established by Bredesen in 2005 and administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Funds for the multi-million dollar farm cost share program were appropriated by the Tennessee General Assembly with the support of Bone, who also serves as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
“I’m pleased we were able to find the funds we needed for this important project,” said Bone. “This agricultural center will not only be a resource for the high school, but for all the folks in Trousdale County with the center. Our agricultural traditions can be passed on to a new generation of farmers.”
USDA Rural Development state director Mary Ruth Tackett joined Bredesen in supporting the project and presented a check for $50,000 to the Trousdale County Board of Education.
“The business of agriculture is an important part of our heritage and of the local economy,” said Tackett. “The Governor’s rural development programs work hand in hand with federal programs and our federal-state partnership is having a real impact on the economic health and vitality of communities like Hartsville and Trousdale County.”
The pavilion is an 80’ X 150’ covered, open-sided structure with an adjoining meeting room and restrooms. The facility will double as a classroom for youth and adult education and as a livestock demonstration and exhibition center. The goal is to increase interest in agriculture and to improve farm and livestock production in the county.
The facility will be available to 4-H, FFA, UT Extension and the agricultural community at-large. Additionally, the facility will be used to support the annual Trousdale County Youth Fair and similar events for students.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $202,000 with about $62,000 in local support and in-kind contributions. The facility will be maintained and managed by the Hartsville/Trousdale County Board of Education.