NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, secured $1.1 million in state funding to resurface Bunge Road in Dyer County.
The road sits near the Northwest corner of the state, and serves as one of the only public roads for area farmers to unload grain in the Mississippi River.
“Bunge Road is a vital artery for the agriculture community in West Tennessee. By securing these funds, it removes the maintenance burden from the citizens of Dyer County. It is crucial that we ensure the road is safe for all of our truckers and farmers hauling their product to the barges on the river,” Grills said.
Out of the state’s nearly 5 million acres of farmland, more than 23% of it is in Northwest Tennessee, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. The top five counties are all in the West:
- Gibson County: 277,142 acres
- Dyer County 230,205 acres
- Obion County: 228,205 acres
- Weakley County: 208,738 acres
- Haywood County: 199,933 acres
The appropriated funds are part of a $52.8 billion zero-debt balanced budget passed by the General Assembly in April. Republican priorities included making significant investments in health care, public safety, education and rural economic development.
“I’m grateful for the strong relationships I’ve developed with the General Assembly members and Gov. Bill Lee that help in securing funding like this. I thank my colleagues for their support of our community and continuing to invest in the agriculture industry,” Grills said.
Rusty Grills represents House District 77 which includes Dyer, Lake and part of Obion Counties. He serves as the chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee and is also a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, Civil Justice Committee, Transportation Committee, Select on Rules Committee and the Civil Justice Subcommittee.
