NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposed changes to his recommended $37.5 billion budget includes $3.5 million for two Southeast Tennessee projects.
The governor is asking for a one-time capital expenditure for the estimated $70 million Cleveland Veterans Home project.
Haslam is also asking for another $500,000 for restoration work on the historic Rhea County Courthouse project.
Other recommendations include an additional $10 million for the Aeronautics Development Fund, which provides money for local airports. That would bring the total proposed funding for airports to $20 million.
The funding comes after the state slashed aviation fuel taxes, which helped pay for projects, because of concerns Memphis-based FedEx would begin moving some of its operations to more tax-friendly states.