Monterey Seeking Grant Funding For Bee Rock

Monterey hopes to receive some state funding for several projects at Bee Rock.

Cultural Administrator Julie Bohannon said the Tennessee Tourism Enhancement grant would help improve access to the outdoor attraction.

Monterey grant writer Dawn Kupferer and Mayor Bill Wiggins view the landscape from edge of Bee Rock. The town plans to apply for a $75,000 grant to help enhance the park.

“We realize that small communities are the flavor of Tennessee,” Bohannon said. “We can partner with the state and county to offer that authentic taste of who we are by allowing tourist to experience our natural resources. With this tourism grant coming up, we think we can help enhance that experience for our visitors.”

Bohannon said the board of aldermen voted to apply for the $75,000 grant last week.

“Before, they would only allow one grant application per county, but they’ve opened it up for more now,” Bohannon said. “Randy Porter called and said he thought Monterey should apply for this. We had a meeting and decided that Bee Rock would be the best place to put forth the effort.”

Monterey would use the funding for improving roads, parking areas and drainage. Bohannon said adding restrooms could also be an option.

The state will award the grants later this month. If awarded the grant, Monterey would be required to pay 10-percent of the $75,000.