Governor Bill Lee’s new state budget includes an estimated $146 million to invest in rural communities across Tennessee.
State Representative Ryan Williams said the Upper Cumberland will be in the mix for some of the funding. The Governor’s proposals include money for infrastructure improvements and low-cost housing.
“The key here really is to create different types of funding to try to help some of the challenges associated with what are the pitfalls or those obstacles that are preventing rural communities from being able to grow,” Williams said. “And improve their local government as well as be able to employ or recruit employers to others.”
Williams said when Governor Lee took office there were 13 at-risk or distressed counties across the state. Williams said as of now that number has been cut down to six.
Williams said rural communities would be able to acquire the funding through grants.
“I think the Upper Cumberland is well suited to receive some of these funds,” Williams said. “Obviously, we have our fellow Tennesseans across the state who are also in rural areas that are hoping for the same thing and you know a rising tide lifts all boats so I am very optimistic that this will be very beneficial to our citizens.”
Williams said he believes the governor’s plan is going to work.
“As we look at other ways in order to utilize these dollars we felt like this would be a good opportunity to do that,” Williams said. “Obviously, we don’t have a crystal ball but we are optimistic that these new dollars will make a big difference in our rural communities particularly here in the Upper Cumberland.”
Williams said he believes uplifting rural communities will make Tennessee an even more attractive state for industries. Williams said the best workforce is in rural communities and that the state has got to get industries to move to these rural areas.
