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Sweetwater agrees to apply for tourism grant to restore 'Big House,' pledges 10% match
Summary
Commissioners authorized submission of a Tennessee Tourism Enhancement Grant application for the 'Big House' project and agreed to commit a 10% local match if the grant is awarded; staff said the grant would cover engineering and construction work to open the property.
The Sweetwater City Commission voted to authorize staff to apply for Tennessee Tourism Enhancement Grant funding for the restoration and rehabilitation of the property referred to in the meeting as the "Big House." The resolution authorizes application for grants (a $25,000 application already submitted) and permission to apply for up to $100,000 in construction funding, with the city committing to a 10% local match if awarded.
Jessica explained the property requires architectural, electrical and mechanical work before it can be opened and that the initial $25,000 request was intended to fund engineering drawings. The commission heard that additional construction funding—if awarded—would pay for roof repairs, electrical work, interior finishes and other construction needs. Jessica said the state tourism program sometimes requires only a 10% match and staff asked the commission to commit to that match to strengthen applications.
Commissioners moved and passed the resolution authorizing application and the 10% match commitment. Jessica noted the East Tennessee tourism director supported applying for the grant and that staff would seek pricing and update the commission if grant awards exceed anticipated costs.
