NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, today announced $926,024 in funding for park upgrades in Fayette County. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the funding through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) and the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP). The 114th General Assembly approved funding in the 2025-26 state budget. […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, today announced $926,024 in funding for park upgrades in Fayette County.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the funding through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) and the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP). The 114th General Assembly approved funding in the 2025-26 state budget.
“Fayette County is a special place with friendly people, beautiful scenery and vibrant recreational offerings,” said Gant. “These significant grants will help boost the accessibility and experience at several local parks, offering additional opportunities for residents and visitors to stay active and enjoy all our region has to offer. I thank the community leaders who worked hard to secure this funding.”
The city of Gallaway received a $300,000 LPRF grant for land clearing, grubbing, and the construction of an access drive, an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking area, and a seating area at Gallaway Park.
The city of Piperton received a $392,000 RTP grant for a walking trail, trail lighting and landscaping at Piper Park Trail.
The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas received a $234,024 RTP grant to replace and improve the boardwalk trail at the Ghost River State Natural Area. A ten-foot extension will link the entire trail together, according to TDEC.
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.
The RTP program provides federal funding to match local government investments in trailhead support facilities, land acquisition for trails, and trail construction, rehabilitation and maintenance.
More than $22 million has been administered to 33 communities across the state by TDEC this year through the RTP program, Local Parks and Recreation Fund program (LPRF) and the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP).
State Rep. Ron Gant represents District 94 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Fayette, McNairy and part of Hardeman counties.