Sen. Hatcher presents amendment to fund sewer upgrades at Townsend Heritage Center

Senator Hatcher presented amendment 161 (code 016634), asking the subcommittee to consider a grant to fund sewer-system improvements at the Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee.

"This budget amendment is for the Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee that sits at the base of the Smoky Mountains National Park," Senator Hatcher said, describing the center as occupying “approximately 12.6 acres” and hosting an amphitheater, museum exhibits and demonstrations of Appalachian life. He told members the center "is needing to expand to be able their fill their sewer system" and that "the cost of the facility is around $200,000," noting the hillside site will require pump stations that increase expense.

The senator framed the amendment as necessary to allow the Heritage Center to serve visitors drawn to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and regional school groups. During follow-up questions, a committee member asked whether the local government contributes to the project; Senator Hatcher replied, "No, sir," and clarified the requested work would be internal property sewer improvements rather than a new connection to a municipal utility.

No vote was taken on the amendment during the session; the chair reiterated that the committee will consider non-bill budget amendments in its next meeting and that no votes would be taken today or at the next session. The amendment was entered into the record for further consideration when the committee reconvenes.

Notes: language in the transcript included a garbled phrase (“stork elements”); this article uses the corrected editorial phrasing "historic elements" when describing the center’s collections to reflect intended meaning and improve clarity.