Speaker Beth Harwell strongly supported funding efforts for facility wide updates
(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) announced today that the State Building Commission has officially approved funding for facility wide upgrades to the Mountain View Youth Development Center in Dandridge.
These updates include the replacement of kitchen and food services equipment; overhauling the freezer and cooler; replacing window heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and rooftop condensers; drainage and erosion repair around the facility’s perimeter fencing; repairs to the fence and gates; as well as restoration of the asphalt and maintenance shed on the grounds of the complex.
The $5.2 million project was officially approved today by the State Building Commission which oversees construction of all public state buildings and structures. In recent years, the Commission’s responsibility has been expanded to include authority over most improvement and demolition projects of property owned by the state.
“It is important that we maintain facilities like the Mountain View Youth Development Center in order to provide assistance to this important group of Tennesseans who are working to get their lives in order,” said Representative Farmer. I am grateful to the State Building Commission for making this critical investment in our community.”
The Mountain View Youth Development Center serves young men between the ages of 13-19 who have been placed in state custody by the Juvenile Courts for various offenses. The center offers programs related to mental health treatment, family therapy, individual therapy, anger replacement training, alcohol and drug treatment services, as well as additional medical and educational services.
Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) — a member of the State Building Commission — was a strong supporter of this critical project and encouraged the commission to approve the necessary funding.
“Projects like this are paramount because they afford Tennessee’s juveniles with troubled backgrounds the opportunity to become productive citizens,” said Speaker Harwell. “I am proud of my colleagues for coming together and moving this initiative forward; I also thank Representative Farmer for his dedication to serving the residents of Dandridge and all of House District 17.”
Andrew Farmer serves as the Chairman of the House Civil Justice Committee. He is also a member of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee, House Criminal Justice Committee, and House Calendar & Rules Committee. Farmer lives in Sevierville and represents House District 17, which includes part of Jefferson and Sevier Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Andrew.Farmer@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-4419.
