Upper Cumberland Addressed In State’s Proposed Budget

The Upper Cumberland is getting some attention from the state in this year’s proposed budget.

State Senator Paul Bailey said that there is private investment from Charter Communications into rural broadband expansion. Bailey said that goes along with Governor Lee’s proposed $200 million.

“There’s going to be $5 million invested in the Upper Cumberland area,” Bailey said. “Specifically to the Eastern half of Putnam County, the Monterey area. Then into Cumberland County, there’s going to be about 7,000 households that will be receiving broadband.”

That is not all proposed for the Upper Cumberland.

Bailey said there is just over $49 million budgeted in the proposal for Tennessee Tech’s Engineering Building.

“Last year the governor had proposed funding to build the Tech Engineering Building,” Bailey said. “When we had to pass an emergency budget and basically send the legislature home. That, along with other capital expenditures for higher education were put on hold, or cut if you will. So, this year it’s back in the budget, so good news for Tennessee Tech.”

Governor Lee is proposing $30 million for State Park maintenance and accessibility.

Bailey said he has met recently with TDEC Commissioners to discuss enhancements to Virgin Falls. He said the goal is to improve Virgin Falls as a destination location for White County.

“One of the proposals is to make it a Wilderness Area,” Bailey said. “To provide equine trails for those that want to ride horses as well as walking trails and other accessible trails.”

Bailey said the next steps for the state’s proposed budget is to have it presented to House and Senate Committees. He said the legislature will then determine whether to amend the budget moving forward.