Covered Bridge To Improve Clay County Student Safety
Clay County is planning a new covered footbridge at Heritage Springs Park to provide students at the adjacent elementary school a safer route to the facility. Clay County Chamber President Doug Young said the project aims to eliminate the need for children to walk along a busy highway to access the park from their campus. […]
Smithville Wants To Consider Data Centers Zoning Restrictions
Smithville is expected to strengthen zoning restrictions on data centers during a special called meeting Wednesday to further expand protections. UCDD Deputy Director Tommy Lee said the city wants to establish specific regulations because these facilities are currently not mentioned in the local zoning ordinances. While this would mean they are prohibited by default. Lee […]
8 UC Professionals Hope To Gain Economic Future Thoughts
Eight professionals from across the Upper Cumberland selected for the inaugural PDI Fellows Academy, helping local leaders gain a statewide perspective on economic development. UCDD/UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the new leadership course is being rolled out for the first time across Tennessee to focus specifically on economic growth. Farley said the program is […]
More UC Citizens Looking At Some Sort Of Zoning To Protect
Upper Cumberland citizens are increasingly calling on local county commissioners to consider zoning as a way to protect their property from industry and urban sprawl. UCDD Deputy Director Tommy Lee said Cannon, Macon, and Smith are the closest counties with countywide zoning. “None of the other counties in the region have zoning and I don’t […]
UCDD Honors Thurman For 37 Years Of Community Service
UCDD and UCHRA officials honored Administrative Services Director Sherry Thurman Wednesday for 37 years of service to the region. UCDD Director Mark Farley said it is fitting to recognize individuals whose commitment and dedication have strengthened the organizations and enriched the communities they serve. “Since joining UCDD in 1989, Ms. Thurman has faithfully served in […]
Regional Arts Grant Applications Open For Upper Cumberland
UCDD Officials encouraging local non-profits and governments to apply for Arts Build Communities grants to fund cultural projects across the 14-county region. Community Development Planner Jessica Duke said the funding opportunity is offered through the Tennessee Arts Commission to support arts and cultural projects throughout the state. Duke said grants of up to $5,000 available […]
Cookeville Wants To Use Tornado Funds For Cane Creek Upgrade
Cookeville Officials want to use disaster relief funds to make sewer system improvements and repairs to the Cane Creek pump station. City Administrator James Mills said the county was allocated an estimated $10 million from the state’s Community Development Block Grant Program following the 2020 tornado. Mills said the city is eligible for an estimated […]
Development District Considering Selling Old Building
UCDD will look to potentially sell the District’s old office building located on Willow Avenue. The Development District moved out of the old building to its current location on England Drive in 2019. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said with more development taking place on Willow Avenue, now might be the time to sell the […]
UCDD, RIDER Announce Partnership In Addressing Poverty
A new partnership between UCDD and a national organization will further help address poverty across the Upper Cumberland. Rural Innovation Driving Equitable Resilience (RIDER) is a national organization awaiting its non-profit status. UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said the partnership gives UCDD a chance to learn how other agencies are addressing poverty nationwide. “It may […]
Jackson Kayak Expanding With Loan Approved Wednesday
A new load from UCDD will help Jackson Kayak expand in White Country. Business Lending Manager Mindy Tramel told the Executive Committee Wednesday that Jackson Kayak requested a $200,000 loan. That money will help with an on-going expansion. “They recently acquired Corner Paddles and Eddyline Kayaks,” Tramel said. “One thing I would like to note […]
