Local Government Grant Applications Available
Applications are now available for $200 million in grants for Tennessee city and county governments, made available in Gov. Bill Lee’s 2020-21 budget. The grants are for one-time local expenses.
“Cities and counties across the state have been hit hard by tornadoes in March and April as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and our hope is this will help them meet some of their obligations,” Finance and Administration Commissioner Butch Eley said. “We look forward to helping provide important services like public safety and road projects for Tennessee citizens.”
The applications are now available on the state’s website, and are being emailed today from the department to city and county governments. Applications are due by April 30, 2021, providing a year to complete all necessary materials. Funds will be available after July 1, 2020, when the state’s new fiscal year begins.
Each county will receive at least $500,000, and each city or municipality will receive at least $30,000. The three Metro governments (Davidson, Moore and Trousdale) will receive one allocation, whichever is largest. Funding is based on population as published by the US Census Bureau.
Funds may be used for road projects, information technology upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades and public safety projects. Certain disaster-related expenses are also eligible for funding.
One-time expenses related to COVID-19 are eligible including supply and equipment purchase, cleaning, emergency food and shelter programs. Counties impacted by the March and April 2020 tornadoes include Benton, Bradley, Carroll, Davidson, Gibson, Hamilton, Marion, Putnam, Smith and Wilson counties.
Additional information on the application and appropriation process is available here.