Rep. Eric Watson and Sen. Dewayne Bunch announce that Polk County will receive a $10,000 grant from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Bradley County was to receive this $10,000 grant to enhance the security of the Bradley County courthouse, but the Bradley County Commission declined to accept the money with a 9-3 vote.

 "I heard in the news that the Bradley County Commission declined to accept the $10,000 grant and my first response was to contact Rep. Watson," Polk County commissioner John Pippenger stated. "County Executive Mike Stinnett also contacted Rep. Watson about the County of Polk being able to utilize the money. I thank Rep. Watson and Sen. Bunch for their quick response to get approval to switch the money designation from Bradley to Polk County."

Watson said, "Since Tuesday, my office received more than a dozen requests for the money from other counties however, Sen. Bunch and I wanted to keep this money within our district." He added, "Polk County was quick to respond, needing the money for their judicial facilities, within the county. This $10,000 will be used to enhance the security of the judicial faculties in Polk."  

"We appreciate the Administrative Office of the Courts working with us to be able to direct this grant to our local courthouse and judicial complex in Polk County," stated Sen. Bunch. "Rep. Watson and I know that the grant is needed and will be put to a good use for our citizens."

Bradley County commissioner Lisa Stanbery stated, "I had hoped that more of the other commissioners would have joined me in voting to accept this much needed grant money for Bradley County court security However, Bradley County's loss is Polk County's gain. I appreciate Rep. Watson's and Sen. Bunch's hard work to secure this money for Bradley County, and I hope that in the future the commission will vote to take advantage of this type of opportunity."

This was part of a $2 million appropriation from the Tennessee General Assembly to the State Courts' systems budget for this fiscal year, according to Elizabeth Sykes, Administrative Director of the Courts. "The Administrative Office of the Courts believes the safety of our courtrooms to be a critical issue and it should be a top priority," Sykes said.

 Pippenger said the money will be used for video monitoring of the court rooms, restraints, court officer protective equipment and other much needed items to run a safe and secure court venue in Polk County.