USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode along with Mayor Joe Williams today announced a grant to the City of Bells in the amount of $50,000 for renovations to the Bells Theatre.
“We are excited to help off-set the cost of many renovations to this historic theatre,” Goode said. “This award will provide the funds necessary to restore this building to a beautiful, functional asset to downtown.”
By receiving this Community Facilities Grant, the city will be able to completely redesign the interior and exterior of the building. In an effort to make the building more functional as a multi-use facility, the floors will be flat to accommodate dinner events. New energy efficient lighting and HVAC system will be installed, as well as ADA compliant restroom facilities. All items, such as the wall sconces and balcony seating, which have historic design value will be reused in the new facility.
Others participating in the event include Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, Sen. Ed Jackson, Crockett County Mayor Gary Reasons, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill and TDEC Office of Sustainable Practices Kathy Glapa, Crockett County Chamber of Commerce Director Charlie Moore, Arts Council of Crockett Tennessee President Sarah Conley, Northwest Tennessee Development District Director John Bucy and NWTDD Representative Melinda Goode, USDA RD Assistant to State Director Harriet Cannon, USDA RD Area Director Joel Howard and USDA RD Specialist Brandon Orr.
USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty. Since 2009, the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 233 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee, investing more than $7.6 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in Northwest Tennessee contact the Union City Area Office at 731.885.6480 x 4. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.