By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–County and city leaders in Henry County participated in a ZOOM roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn this morning and discussed a wide range of topics, from expanding Broadband in the county, school reopenings, Asian Carp, and more.
County Mayor Brent Greer welcomed Blackburn to Henry County–even if only virtually–and said, “It means so much to our community to have this discussion with you.” Blackburn said she and her representatives were in every single county in Tennessee last year, but because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic “we do it by ZOOM now.”
The roundtable was hosted by the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.
Greer noted that the Henry County Commission will be holding a work session Tuesday, September 15 to discuss the future of Broadband in the county. He said, “We’re excited about what is happening with it. Our expectations are to have Broadband available to every household in Henry County within the next 36 months.”
Blackburn noted that Henry County is above average in terms of connectivity, with 77 percent of households connected to the internet, compared with the state average of 75 percent. State and federal monies have been funneled to the county for Broadband expansion, she said. “And we will continue to work with you to close the digital divide.”
Looking at her notes, Blackburn said Henry County is doing “a great job” with its CARES funding, noting that for a county with a 32,000 population, it has received some $60M in CARES funding for various programs, including the local schools and health care.
Blackburn applauded local officials, noting, “You’ve been aggressive in working for these grants.”
The federal government also will continue assisting local officials with the ongoing battle with Asian Carp, she said. “We’ll be asking for another $25M for it this year.”
Participants in the roundtable included members of Blackburn’s staff, Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell, Chamber CEO Travis McLeese, State Rep. Bruce Griffey, County Industrial Development Director Rob Goad, Paris City Manager Kim Foster, Paris Utility Authority CEO Terry Wimberley, PSSD Director Dr. Norma Gerrell, Elections Commission Administrator DeLaina Green, HCMC Director of Nursing Ashby Neeley, County Commissioner Rev. James Travis.
Photo: From left, McLeese, Greer, and Gerrell during this morning’s ZOOM roundtable discussion. (Shannon McFarlin photo).