Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, today announced the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded $150,000 to support upgrades and renovations for the McMinn County Layman Agricultural Exposition Center and Show Barn. McMinn County will provide equal matching funds to cover the total cost of the project, estimated at approximately $300,000. “These upgrades […]
Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, today announced the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has awarded $150,000 to support upgrades and renovations for the McMinn County Layman Agricultural Exposition Center and Show Barn. McMinn County will provide equal matching funds to cover the total cost of the project, estimated at approximately $300,000.
“These upgrades will enhance facilities that support local agricultural and community events,” Cochran said. “Thanks to this grant and local investment, our venues will be safer, more modern, and better equipped to serve families and farmers throughout McMinn County. I appreciate the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for partnering with us to make this project a reality.”
The improvements include:
Expo Center:
- Upgrades to water system: $15,000 New arena surface: $15,000
- Portable bleachers: $70,000
- Arena surface prep implement: $7,000
- Wash rack structure: $35,000
- Public announcement system: $10,000
- Interior sprinkler system: $3,500
Show Barn:
- New guttering: $6,000
- New fascia boards: $1,000
- Convert showers to concession stand: $5,000
- Sheep/hog pens: $25,000
- New electrical system: $22,000
- LED lights: $12,00
- Upgrade plumbing and additional faucets: $11,000
- Grade additional parking on lower lot: $10,000
- New steel doors and casing for bathrooms: $6,400
- New ground cover/shavings: $2,500
- Storage building: $8,000
- Perimeter fencing and gates: $20,000
- Wash rack structure: $12,000
- Public announcement system: $3,600
The grant is part of the TDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure agriculture and forestry remain a leading industry in Tennessee. For information, visit https://www.tn.gov/agriculture.html.