(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville), State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), and local leaders today announced a $333,500 Local Parks & Recreation Fund grant has been awarded to Putnam County Parks and Recreation by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC).
The monies will cover half of the cost of a new soccer complex in Cookeville and other park improvements, with the county matching the grant to fund the remaining portion of the estimated $667,000 project.
Construction includes removing a concrete slab and asphalt to build a new soccer field. The project also includes a second soccer/multi-use field which will require grading and excavation work, as well as a retaining wall and an access road to the facility from Washington Road.
“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 Williams. “This new field will increase local revenue and will also provide a safe environment where our children can exercise and participate in soccer activities. I am grateful to Director Parish, his staff, and Deputy Governor Jim Henry for supporting our local community, and I congratulate and thank our Director of Parks and Recreation, John Ross Albertson and our local officials for their efforts securing this funding.”
“I am grateful to TDEC for its support and investment in our local facility and our area youth,” said Senator Bailey. “It was an honor to work with Representative Williams, John Ross Albertson with Putnam County Parks and Recreation and all of our local leaders 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.”
“I am very excited to hear that we are receiving this grant to expand our sports complex,” said Putnam County Executive Randy Porter. “Soccer and lacrosse are some of the fastest growing sports in our county. This grant will allow us to expand our complex and create a championship facility that will bring state tournaments to our community in the future. I am very thankful to TDEC and our local legislators for their support and investment in our region.”
Ryan Williams serves as Chairman of the House Republican Caucus. He also serves as a member of the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Government Operations, House Health, and the House Calendar & Rules Committees. Williams lives in Cookeville and represents House District 42, which includes a portion of Putnam County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Ryan.Williams@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-1875.
Paul Bailey serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation & Safety Committee. He is also a member of the Senate State and Local Government Committee. Bailey lives in Sparta and represents Senate District 15, which includes Cumberland, Jackson, Overton, Bledsoe, Putnam and White Counties. He can be reached by email at Sen.Paul.Bailey@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-3978.