Regional advisor reports R6 annual report and urges competitive CPR grant applications

Shay, the region's community advisor, briefed the council on the R6 annual report and ongoing grant work, and urged council members to consider competitive strategies for a new CPR parks grant with a March 17 deadline.

Shay reported that R6 currently manages 55 state and federal contracts and provided an executive summary of programs and performance. The report lists the region's annual budget as just under $11,000,010.08 and states that for every county dollar contributed the program leverages about $35 in state and federal funds. Shay said staff are coordinating on a new CPR grant (the program name used in the meeting) that will award up to $200,000 per project; applications are competitive, the program requires two letters of support (and allows up to seven), and the grant appears to favor distinctive or higher-profile park projects over basic facility upgrades.

Shay also summarized local projects supported by R6, including an AgriPark led by Sean Kerr (identified as the project lead) and outreach to congressional staff for briefings and farm visits. Shay said they cover multiple jurisdictions, noting she covers the council's county plus portions of Sevier County and Fountain Green as one of five community advisors.

Why it matters: The R6 programs and leveraged funds supply staffing, weatherization, and grant support that local governments use for park projects, housing assistance and other community services. The CPR grant’s short deadline and competitive field mean staff and council will need to finalize project costs and letters of support if they pursue funding.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue coordinating grant applications with council members and others and will seek cost estimates from engineering firms or contractors as needed before the March 17 deadline.