FCCDC grant recipients include Russellville Middle School, Tharptown band

The Franklin County Community Development Commission met November 21, 2025, and awarded grants to multiple schools and first responder agencies.

The commission, which includes Brad Bolton, Jeremy Campbell and Red Bay mayor Mike Shewbart, 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 $3,170,760.08 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 for the November 21st meeting included:

—$500 to Tharptown High School Band for new uniforms.

—$800 to Belgreen Elementary School for computer lab upgrade to equipment.

—$250 to Red Bay basketball for TipOff Club sponsorship.

—$800 to Russellville Middle School for purchase of translation devices.

—$800 to Belgreen High School for materials for Math Resource Library.

—$800 to Franklin County Sheriff’ office for purchase of laser jet printers for patrol vehicles.

—$1,500 Hodges Volunteer Fire Department for purchase of two new chainsaws.

—$1,735 to City of Russellville Fire Department for purchase of new fire helmets.

—$570 to Franklin Free Press for publication of annual report.

—$940.98 to Tennessee Valley Media for publication of annual report.

—$6,000 transfer to the Future Economic Development Fund.

The next meeting of the FCCDC will be Friday, January 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., at the Red Bay City Hall. Grant requests for the January 30, 2026, meeting must be received by a commission member before 12 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2026.