Sparta Applying For Grant For North Carter Improvements

The City of Sparta wants to use the Tourism Enhancement Grant on North Carter Street Park.

North Carter renovations would mirror the South Carter Street Park and receive a new pavilion, walking trial and decorative lighting. City Administrator Brad Hennessee said completing the north side would complete the tourism project for the street.

“We are hoping that we can show that we are bringing people to that area, and it has expanded beyond what one facility will accommodate and show the need to move to the North Carter side,” Hennessee said.

Hennessee said the project would also include installing 29 street lights on the Bockman Way Bridge. The city hopes that the continuation of last year’s tourism enhancement convinces the state to award Sparta the grant again this year.

“The city of Sparta has been looked upon favorably the last few years as far as grants,” Hennessee said. “The Tourism Enhancement Grants are fairly new and they are competitive simply because Sparta has already received grants from them in the past. I am sure preference will be given to people who have not already received a grant.”

The grant could award up to $75,000 with the city making a 10 percent match for a $82,500 total. Hennessee said the city is working with Matt Billings and Tommy Lee of Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) to complete the grant application.

“The next step for us is to finalize our numbers of our estimates of what it will take to complete the improvements and have UCDD review it,” Hennessee said. “It will be a collaborative effort between the city of Sparta and Upper Cumberland Development District.”

The deadline to apply for the grant is July 15th. Approximately 25-30 grants will be awarded .Sparta received their last check for the kayak launch dock on the Calfkiller River for last year’s grant at the beginning of June.