State Budget Contains Funds to help South Knoxville

State Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) said last Friday that Governor Bill Haslam included a $30,000 economic development grant to the Legacy Parks Foundation in the state’s budget legislation passed by the General Assembly last week.

Massey credited Governor Haslam, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero for helping members of the Knox County legislative delegation receive the money.

The funds will be matched by the City of Knoxville and Knox County which have pledged $20,000 each.

“It is my hope that these funds will help leverage the dollars being invested by Knoxville and Knox County to help our small businesses in South Knoxville to remain viable,” said Senator Massey. “These businesses have been struggling to remain open and I was committed to finding them some relief from the State of Tennessee.”

“We especially appreciate Governor Haslam’s willingness to invest state dollars in our local businesses,” Massey continued. “These funds will be used in the marketing efforts to assist our South Knoxville businesses that have been adversely affected by the Henley Street bridge closure.”

The bridge is scheduled to reopen February 28, 2014.