Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency approves land acquisition for conservation project

The State Building Commission's Executive Subcommittee convened on February 24, 2025, with all members present, marking a unanimous attendance and a quorum for the meeting. The session began with the approval of the consent agenda, which passed without any objections.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Tim Churchill, Chief of Real Estate for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Churchill sought approval for the acquisition of two tracts of land totaling 1,305 acres, located in Hardin and McNary Counties. This acquisition is part of a larger conservation wetland project aimed at enhancing the ecosystem along the Hatchie River. The committee swiftly moved to approve the acquisition, emphasizing its importance for environmental conservation.

Following this, Deputy Commissioner John Holt from the Department of General Services presented a lease proposal for a community supervision office in Bradley County. The proposal included a one-time payment of $213,142 to address increased construction costs and inflation. Holt explained that this payment would be incorporated into the first-year rental rate of $59 per square foot. After clarifying the financial details, the committee engaged in a brief discussion before moving to approve the lease.

The meeting underscored the state’s commitment to both environmental conservation and effective management of public facilities, with both items receiving unanimous support from the subcommittee. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to contribute positively to Tennessee's conservation efforts and public service infrastructure.