Senator Paul Bailey received the “Legislator of the Year” Award from the Tennessee Development District Association (TDDA) and the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD). Senator Bailey was presented the award at the 2019 Grants Conference and Legislative Update held in Cookeville.

The TDDA is an association of Tennessee’s nine development districts, which are regional planning and economic development organizations. These policy boards within each District are made up of the state’s 95 counties and 340 municipalities. Development districts assist with regional issues including planning and economic development coordination, transportation, solid waste, loans and grants for critical infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, housing, tourism, economic development loans, environmental quality and natural resources planning, workforce development and services to the elderly.

“The awards are given on the basis of nominations from each of the nine development districts to those legislators who have shown leadership and put forth considerable effort on behalf of their cities and counties,” said Mark Farley, executive director of Upper Cumberland Development District and Human Resource Agency. “Senator Bailey understands the needs of our region and continues to advocate, sponsor and support needed changes in economic development to bring success to the people and businesses of the Upper Cumberland. We appreciate the support Senator Bailey has given our local governments in the legislature.”

The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement.