SCTDD Starts 2026 Strong with Over $6.9 Million in Grant Awards
Mt. Pleasant, TN – The South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) has kicked off 2026 with significant momentum and impact. SCTDD is proud to announce that it has recently secured $6,917,893 in state and federal grant funding to support communities across South Central Tennessee.
These awards total $6,917,893 in state and federal grant funding and reflect a strong collaborative effort between local governments, community partners, and the dedicated staff of the Development District. All grant efforts were funded through state and federal sources, with local matches provided where applicable.
Pictured: Progress from a Downtown Improvement Grant awarded to The City of Columbia in 2024.
The grant application process requires extensive research, planning, and coordination—not only from grant writers but also from local governments. In some cases, public meetings serve as an essential first step by allowing communities to provide input and identify priority needs; in others, clear communication and strategic community planning guide the process. From there, environmental reviews, case studies, and comprehensive planning are conducted to ensure
each project meets both community goals and grant requirements.
Once awarded, state and federal grants require strict compliance and ongoing grant management to ensure funds are used appropriately and in accordance with all guidelines. SCTDD remains committed to the 13 counties it serves and to strengthening the communities throughout South Central Tennessee. By partnering with SCTDD, local governments receive a multi-dimensional service, gaining access to professional grant writers and administrators who manage the process from application through implementation — allowing local staff to focus on other critical responsibilities.
Recently Funded Grant Awards
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP)
- City of Fayetteville – $500,471
- City of Lewisburg – $88,000
Multimodal Access Grant (MMAG)
- City of Winchester – $1,125,041
Historic Development Grant Program (HDGP)
- Maury County – $500,000
- Giles County – $500,000
- Lawrence County – $500,000
ThreeStar Grant
- Marshall County – $192,000
Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG)
- City of Clifton – $97,000
- City of Pulaski – $460,000
- City of Shelbyville – $450,000
Infrastructure Planning Grant (IPG)
- City of Lobelville – $200,000
- Iron City Utility District – $199,500
- Minor Hill Utility District of Giles County – $190,000
- Town of Chapel Hill – $160,000
- Town of Linden – $210,000
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- City of Lawrenceburg – $487,200
- City of Columbia – $758,681
- City of Elkton – $300,000
SCTDD Grant & Planning Team
Pictured: Lorie Fisher, Danny Coleman, Margarita Cipriani, Andy Short
SCTDD would also like to place special recognition on the Development District staff, who work diligently with local communities to turn ideas into reality.
Pictured: Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner, Misti Baker, Lisa Cross
The District’s grant writing and administration efforts are led by Lorie Fisher, Senior Economic and Community Development Director, and supported by:
- Nicole Poag – Community Development Program Manager
- Danny Coleman – Community Development Specialist
- Andy Short – Community Development Specialist
- Margarita Cipriani – Community Development Specialist
- Lisa Cross – Community Planning Director
- Misti Baker – Community Planning Specialist
Media Contact:
Sydney Brewer, Marketing & Communications Director
sbrewer@sctdd.org
