State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) announced today that four counties in District 14 have been awarded ThreeStar Competitive Grants from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). The grants will be used for a variety of local programs addressing economic development, public safety, health, education and workforce development.

Lincoln, Marshall, Moore and Rutherford counties will each receive $5,000 to expand existing ThreeStar programs or create new programs. TNECD awarded ThreeStar Competitive Grants to 63 of the 75 applicants for a total of $975,000 in funding.

"I am pleased to welcome this investment into District 14," said Tracy. "This funding will not only support health, public safety, economic development and education initiatives locally, but it will also improve the State of Tennessee for years to come."

Each county met all of the ThreeStar program requirements. ThreeStar focuses on best practices in five key community areas, including jobs and economic development, fiscal strength and efficient government, public safety, health, education and workforce development.

"I congratulate the local officials who have secured this funding, and I look forward to seeing the ways these grants help their communities thrive," added Tracy.