Council OKs $500,000 state appropriation for all‑inclusive youth soccer facility

The Cookeville City Council voted unanimously Aug. 6 to authorize receipt of a $500,000 direct appropriation from the State of Tennessee and the distribution of those funds to the Joseph Orland Memorial Foundation for construction of an all‑inclusive youth soccer facility. City staff said the award was a special appropriation notified earlier in the year and recommended passage of Resolution R-26-0814. "Earlier this year, we were notified by the state that we would be receiving $500,000 from a special appropriation to go to the Joseph Ford Memorial Foundation," staff said in presenting the resolution.

Council members offered brief remarks of support and appreciation for the foundation's work; the resolution was moved, seconded and carried 5-0. No public opposition was recorded during the meeting. The council's action authorizes the city to accept the grant and distribute the funds to the named foundation; project oversight and timing were not detailed during the presentation.