News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cumberland County received a legislative appropriation of some $2 million to put towards repairs of its historic courthouse.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton said he and State Senator Paul Bailey filed for a budget appropriation through the House and Senate. He said the funds will go towards repairs created by years of water damage.
“We were hopeful we could get it done and we had a lot of support,” Sexton said. “We had helped some other communities with some fo their issues with their courthouse and so the $2 million is a big number. It’s probably the largest single appropriation from the budget that Cumberland County has ever seen.”
Sexton said they will have to see just how much of an impact these funds will help offset the cost of the project. He said based on current estimates, they hope this will help fund around 40 percent of the project.
Sexton said the courthouse is a landmark for the citizens of Cumberland County. He said not having a working courthouse would be a disservice to those who live there.
“At this point in time the county right now couldn’t afford the $5 million they needed some assistance,” Sexton said. “But that’s the central part of our downtown.”
Sexton said he will continue working with County Mayor Allen Foster to see if they need any additional resources as the process moves forward. He said Foster has been very approachable and good to work with.
