NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Hurt, R-Halls, today announced $400,000 in state funding for improvements to the new Bells Theatre. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the grant through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), which members of the 114th General Assembly approved in the 2025-26 state budget. “The […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Chris Hurt, R-Halls, today announced $400,000 in state funding for improvements to the new Bells Theatre.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the grant through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), which members of the 114th General Assembly approved in the 2025-26 state budget.
“The new Bells Theatre is an important gathering place for the community to enjoy high-quality arts,” said Hurt. “This grant will be instrumental in making much-needed improvements for guests and cast members, including a dedicated dressing area. I’m grateful to the local leaders and residents who worked to rebuild the historic theatre and helped secure this vital funding.”
The funds will be used for an Americans with Disabilities-compliant restroom for cast, office space, a dressing area, prop storage and a backstage area. Additionally, funds will go toward heating and air, lighting and commercial refrigeration for events.
The state’s funding for the LPRF grant matches local government investments to help expand access to outdoor opportunities and improve quality of life for Tennesseans. City and county governments can receive LPRF grants for trail development and capital projects in parks, greenways and natural areas. Additionally, the funds can be used to purchase land for eligible projects.
More than $22 million has been administered to 33 communities across the state by TDEC this year through the LPRF program, Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP).
State Rep. Chris Hurt represents District 82 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Crockett, Lauderdale and part of Gibson and Obion counties.