Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Award ThreeStar Grants to 54 Tennessee Counties
- 54 grants total $2.4 million
- Funds support local workforce training, health and economic development initiatives
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today that 54 counties will receive ThreeStar grants. DeKalb County is one of the grant recipients.
In total, TNECD is awarding $2.4 million in funding to Tennessee communities through this round of the ThreeStar grant program.
“I congratulate these 54 counties that are receiving ThreeStar grants and thank them for strengthening the quality of life and enhancing workforce development in their communities,” Lee said. “This will help local communities to make Tennessee an even better place to live.”
The funding will be used for a variety of local community development initiatives including education, workforce development, health, tourism, small business, entrepreneurship, and economic development programs, among others that were prioritized through a strategic planning process. ThreeStar promotes economic and community prosperity through collaboration to positively impact every Tennessean.
“The ThreeStar grant program is a valuable tool that assists counties focused on making strides in key areas,” Rolfe said. “TNECD is proud to assist these 54 counties as they develop asset-based strategic plans and invest responsibly in their communities.”
DeKalb County will be receiving $50,000 to create a commercial kitchen and training/meeting rooms for the new Agriculture Building located at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams says, “ We are so grateful to the Department of Economic and Community Development for awarding us this grant. This multi-purpose Agriculture building can be utilized in numerous ways including DeKalb Cattle Association events, equipment auctions, school functions, concerts and other entertainment-type events, culinary classes, 4-H development programs, cattle and horse sales, Senior Center events and programs, Community Events, Birthday Parties/Family Reunion type events, trainings, and much more. During events and activities held at the Agricultural Building, attendees will likely be buying food and gas and other items in the area, in addition to the money they spend at the ag center, so we believe the economic impact of this project will be significant.”
Ninety-four counties have completed the requirements to be certified ThreeStar counties. To be eligible for ThreeStar grants, each county must meet all certification requirements, develop an asset-based strategic plan and design a program to implement a goal from its strategic plan.
“The ThreeStar Grants provide communities with resources to make strategic improvements and support their priority initiatives,” said Jody Sliger, TNECD community development director. “I congratulate these 54 recipients on their efforts to build their economies today with tomorrow in mind.”