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Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program Applications Now Available

Wednesday, April 07, 2010 | 08:53 am
Hay Barn
Hay Barn
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released the 2010 application for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Applications can be submitted June 1-7 and should not be postmarked prior to June 1. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, so producers are encouraged to apply early. Producer Diversification remains a competitive program and applications with proposals will be accepted June 1-7.
Agriculture

Bredesen Announces Job Creation Plan for Marshall County

Wednesday, April 07, 2010 | 08:40 am
Effort to Combat Unemployment Targets County with High Unemployment Rate
 
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a plan to reduce unemployment in Marshall County by putting up to 175 people back to work using federal dollars available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Marshall County has had the state’s highest unemployment rate – 19.1 percent in February – for the past three months and includes 2,330 currently unemployed residents.
 
“This jobs package will put people back to work and provide some much needed assistance to these residents who are feeling the effects of this economic downturn,” said Bredesen. “One of the primary goals of the Recovery Act is to put people back to work, and I’m glad the state can bring this assistance to Marshall County residents during these tough times.”
Jobs, Recovery Act

April Is Minority Health Month

Monday, April 05, 2010 | 01:49 pm

Calendar of Tennessee Events Included on Web

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed April Minority Health Month in Tennessee. The state Department of Health and its Division of Minority Health and Disparity Elimination join minority health advocates and providers nationwide in the annual observance, which is designed to raise awareness about health issues that affect minority populations. Activities planned during the month encourage faith-based and community based organizations, businesses, health care professionals and others to get involved to improve the health status of minority populations and to eliminate health disparities.

Health

TDOT Now Accepting “Green Island” Biofuels Corridor Grant Applications

Thursday, April 01, 2010 | 02:43 pm
Green Island Grants support retail E85 and B20 pumps like these at a station along I-65 in Goodlettesville, just north of Nashville.
Green Island Grants support retail E85 and B20 pumps like these at a station along I-65 in Goodlettesville, just north of Nashville.
Grants Provide Funds to Help Retail Fuel Stations Install Biofuel Infrastructure
 
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the next round of Green Island Biofuel Corridor Network grants. The deadline to apply for the grants is April 30, 2010. The Green Island grant program is a competitive funding opportunity available to retail fuel station owners and farmer co-ops interested in promoting and selling two biofuel blends, E85 (ethanol) and B20 (biodiesel).  The goal of the Green Island grant program is to establish a statewide network of publicly accessible B20 and E85 refueling stations, particularly along interstates and major highways and in major population centers.
 
“Green Island grants encourage and help expand the commercial availability of biofuels in Tennessee, giving motorists more options at the pump and reducing harmful vehicle emissions,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “This program is a vital piece of the state’s efforts to make biofuels a real option for Tennesseans.”
 
Transportation

February 2010 County Unemployment Rates

Thursday, April 01, 2010 | 01:29 pm
Rates Decrease in 78 Counties, Increase in 10, Remain the Same in Seven
NASHVILLE – Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2010 was 10.7 percent, unchanged from the January rate of 10.7 percent. The United States unemployment rate for the month of February was 9.7 percent.
Labor & Workforce Development

"Get Yourself Tested" to Reduce Burden of Sexual Disease in Tennessee

Thursday, April 01, 2010 | 10:36 am

April is STD Awareness Month

NASHVILLE – Tennessee ranks 11th in the nation for reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases. The Department of Health is working to educate Tennesseans on ways to reduce the burden of these preventable infections during STD Awareness Month this April. The goal of this annual health observance is to raise awareness about the impact of STDs and the importance of preventing, testing for and treating these diseases.

Health

Tennesseans Warned of Fake Unemployment Benefit Check Scam

Thursday, April 01, 2010 | 08:13 am
Fake Tennessee Unemployment Benefit Checks Being Used in Secret Shopper Con
 
NASHVILLE –Commissioner James Neeley of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and Mary Clement, Director of the Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Consumer Affairs Division, are cautioning Tennesseans about cashing checks that come in the mail for services as a secret shopper.
 
Labor & Workforce Development

Tennessee Unveils New State Recreation Plan

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 | 01:30 pm
Governor Phil Bredesen unveils Tennessee 2020, the state's new recreation plan
Governor Phil Bredesen unveils Tennessee 2020, the state's new recreation plan
Tennessee 2020 Focuses on Future of Tennessee Parks, People and Landscapes

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke joined local conservation and parks professionals today in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the State Capitol to unveil Tennessee 2020, the state’s new recreation plan. The comprehensive planning document was created with significant public input, and focuses on the future of Tennessee’s parks, people and landscapes. The plan documents the most critical needs facing land conservation and recreational infrastructure over the next 10 years.
Media Advisories, Environment & Conservation

TDOT Debuts Enhanced TN511 Motorist Information System

Monday, March 29, 2010 | 02:03 pm
New 511 System Offers New Options for Motorists
  
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Transportation today unveiled a new enhanced 511 travel information system. Motorists who dial 5-1-1 can now access information about rest areas, public transportation, airports, and tourism as well as the standard features such as incidents, construction projects and weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.  TN511 debuted in August 2006 and has provided information to more than 2.5 million callers. 
 
Safe Communities, Road Closures, Transportation