Bredesen Announces Parks and Recreation Grant

GRANT WILL HELP CITY OF ETOWAH CREATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke today announced the city of Etowah will received a $50,000 Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program, or TRIP, grant to help establish a parks and recreation department and hire a professional parks and recreation 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 all Tennesseans,” said Bredesen.  “I’m pleased we can provide funding through this grant program to help Etowah enhance the local parks and recreation opportunities for its citizens.”

TRIP grants cover a three year term, providing $25,000 in each of the first two years, which the local government matches.  The local community then takes over the entire cost of the program in the third year.  The grant will allow the city of Etowah to create a parks and recreation department, including upkeep of existing park facilities and planning and administration of new recreation programs and facilities.

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 of county government may apply for funding through a competitive matching grant process.

“Approximately 30 percent of Tennesseans are not currently served by an organized local parks and recreation program,” said Fyke.  “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.tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants.shtml.