State Grant Program To Bring Over $650,000 to DeKalb County

April 11, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced that $200 million in grants will be distributed to every county and city government across Tennessee for one-time, local expenses in fiscal year 2021. DeKalb County’s share will be $656,166.

The cities within the county will get the following amounts: Smithville-$135,774; Alexandria $52,091; Dowelltown-$38,717; and Liberty $37,238.

“Capital maintenance, public safety and road projects don’t pause for disasters like the March tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Lee. “This grant fund will ease the burden on local governments as they work to meet infrastructure and safety obligations.”

Funding is based on population as published by the US Census Bureau. Each county will receive at least $500,000, and each city or municipality will receive at least $30,000. The three Metro governments (Davidson, Moore and Trousdale) will receive one allocation, whichever is largest. The application will be made available by April 30, 2020, and the funds will be made available after July 1, 2020.

Funds may be used for road projects, I.T. upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades, and public safety projects. Certain disaster related expenses are also eligible for funding.

One-time expenses related to COVID-19 are eligible including supply and equipment purchase, cleaning, emergency food and shelter programs. Counties impacted by the March 2020 tornadoes including Benton, Carroll, Davidson, Gibson, Putnam, Smith, and Wilson counties may also use the funds for tornado relief efforts.

April 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a driver license checkpoint today (Friday, April 10th) on Highway 96 in DeKalb County.

Recognizing the danger presented to the public by drivers that are under the influence and unqualified drivers, Troopers will concentrate their efforts on vehicles being operated by drivers that violate the driver license laws of Tennessee.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has found checkpoints to be an effective means of enforcing driver license laws of Tennessee while ensuring the protection of all Motorists.

April 10, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC is continuing its work grading, clearing trees, structures, and making utility relocations in preparation for road construction on Highway 56 south (McMinnville Highway).

During construction, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is advising motorists to use caution and watch for construction equipment and personnel in the roadway.

“The contractor will continue installing concrete box culverts and drainage structures. Grade work and utility work on the new roadway alignment are ongoing. No change in traffic patterns, traffic is still using the existing SR-56. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for construction equipment adjacent to roadway. Flaggers may be present to move equipment across roadway, unload equipment, or complete utility work,” according to TDOT’s weekly report.

TDOT opened bids last June and Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC was the low bidder on the construction project at $43,691,948 which will be done in two phases from south of state highway 288 near Magness Road to East Bryant Street in Smithville and from south of the Warren-DeKalb County line to near Magness Road in DeKalb County. A proposed third segment from near State Route 287 in Warren County to near the DeKalb County Line is not yet ready for bid letting.

The state plans to build largely two lanes of a proposed four lane project and maintain traffic on the existing Highway 56 (alignment) while construction is done on the new portion.

The estimated completion date for the two phases is May 31, 2022.

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