County staff told the Dickson County Commission at the Jan. 5 work session that the county has secured several grants and is pursuing federal funding for infrastructure and safety projects.

Terry Malone, the county's economic development officer, said the county was awarded a $500,000 grant to renovate the interior of the historic courthouse. Tourism officer Shay Schroeder said Dickson County received $8,800 through a Tennessee Historical Commission subcommittee to support America 250 programming tied to a July courthouse event.

Jackie Hodges, highway supervisor, said his office pursued federal rather than solely state dollars to access larger awards. Hodges identified an NRCS stream‑bank stabilization package totaling $135,000 with a 25% match that the county will largely cover through in‑kind equipment and labor, and described three project sites on Hicks Road, Batson Road and Woods Valley Road. Hodges also said the county recently received a supplemental Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) demonstration grant of $406,000; the project requires a 20% local match of $101,007.44 and will fund a trailer with emergency equipment, barricades, portable lighted signs and demonstration work at high‑risk intersections. Hodges told commissioners an implementation grant will be pursued later to fund construction work.

Hodges summarized the fiscal approach: "If you can spend 1,000,000 dollars and then only have to put out 200,000, you essentially get 800,000 for free," noting reimbursements and matching requirements for federal funds.

Staff said signed agreements are in place for the soil‑conservation work and quarry coordination is underway to begin staging materials on site. Malone and Schroeder credited county staff for the writing and management that won competitively awarded funds.

Next steps: staff will pursue implementation grants where available and bring project specifics, matches and procurement plans back to the commission when construction or equipment purchases are required.