The Franklin County Community Development Commission met March 21, 2025, and awarded grants to multiple schools and agencies.
The commission, which includes Brad Bolton, Jeremy Campbell and Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher, meets quarterly to review grant applications. The commission is comprised of two appointees from Franklin County's legislative delegation and a rotating seat between the mayors of Russellville and Red Bay. Sen. Larry Stutts reappointed Bolton and Rep. Jamie Kiel reappointed Campbell to another four-year term.
With the most recent grants, more than $2.806 million has been returned to Franklin County since the inception of the funding. The funds come from in lieu of tax payments from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Grant awards from the March 21st meeting included:
—$3,240 to Red Bay Elementary School for purchase of test prep materials for 3rd-6th grade. Each grade will receive an $800 technology grant.
—$800 to Phil Campbell Elementary School for purchase of printer and ink.
—$750 to Vina High School track for purchase of equipment/track facility renovations.
—$5,000 to Red Bay High School Softball/Football for relocating and replacing fence.
—$800 to Phil Campbell Elementary School for purchase of Chromebooks.
—$2,500 to Red Bay High School for American flag project in the gymnasium.
—$800 to Phil Campbell Elementary for purchase of tablet for 2nd grade classroom.
—$2,500 to Red Bay High School Football for helmet reconditioning.
—$1,500 to Tharptown High School Band for instrument purchases, supplies and travel.
—$2,500 to Phil Campbell High School Baseball for batting cage project.
—$5,000 to Red Bay Police Department for purchase of tasers.
—$2,500 to Russellville High School Baseball for purchase of Rapsodo Hitting Machine.
—$7,900 to Veterans of Foreign Wars for mold remediation project.
—$6,000 transfer to the Future Economic Development Fund.
The next meeting of the FCCDC will be May 23, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., at the Red Bay City Hall. Grant requests for the May 23, 2025, meeting must be received by a commission member before 12 p.m., May 16, 2025.
