(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Ron Gant (R-Rossville), State Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), and local leaders today announced a $500,000 Local Parks & Recreation Fund grant has been awarded to the City of Selmer by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC).
The monies will cover half of the cost of improvements to the existing baseball and sports facility in Selmer, with the city matching the grant to fund the remaining portion of the estimated $1,000,000 project.
Construction includes improvements to field drainage, drainage infrastructure, the installation of automatic irrigation systems to existing fields, the replacement of fencing and any additional backstop improvements, as well as new bleacher installation, dugout and scorekeeper stand renovations, a new concession stand, accessible restrooms, storage for field maintenance equipment, and enhancements to existing roads and walkways.
“I appreciate TDEC’s investment in our community, and I know this important funding will have a tremendous impact on our citizens and our future leaders,” said Representative Gant. “These upgrades will increase local revenue by attracting more tournaments to our region. They will also provide a safe environment where our children can exercise and participate in team sports. I am grateful to Director Parish, his staff, and Deputy Governor Jim Henry for supporting our community, and I congratulate our local officials on securing this funding.”
“I am grateful to TDEC for its support and investment in our local facility and our area youth,” said Senator Gresham. “It was an honor to partner with the City of Selmer and our local leaders in order to obtain this grant. Once completed, this project will improve the health and well-being of our current residents and also benefit our future generations.”
Ron Gant serves as Assistant Majority Floor Leader. He is also a member of the House Health Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee, as well as the House Insurance & Banking Sub and Full Committees. Gant lives in Rossville and represents House District 94, which includes Fayette, McNairy, and part of Hardeman County. He can be reached by email at: rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-6890.
Dolores Gresham serves as the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and as a member of the Commerce and Labor Committee and the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. She represents Senate District 26 which is comprised of Haywood, Fayette, Hardeman, Chester, McNairy, Hardin, Decatur and Henderson Counties. Gresham and her husband Will live on their farm in Fayette County.