KINGSTON – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) has received statewide recognition from the Tennessee Development District Association (TDDA), having been recently named Legislator of the Year.
The TDDA is an association of Tennessee’s nine development districts, which are regional planning and economic development organizations. 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, work force development and services to the elderly.
“This award is given on the basis of nominations from each of the nine development districts across the state to a legislator who has shown outstanding leadership and put forth considerable extraordinary efforts on behalf of their cities and counties,” said Beth Jones, executive director of the Southeast Tennessee Development District. “Sen. Yager has been a tireless champion for development districts and the work they do on behalf of local governments. He has sponsored and supported essential funding for economic and community development staff that assist local governments. As a former Roane County mayor where he served as a member of the East Tennessee Development District executive committee and board chair, Yager is personally familiar with the essential role that development districts play in the economic viability and sustainability of rural communities.”
“We appreciate the support Yager has given our local governments by supporting the efforts of development districts and local governments in the legislature,” added Brent Greer, TDDA president and Henry County mayor. “We wanted to honor Sen. Yager for his legislative achievements and his continued commitment as a public servant and advocate for local governments throughout the state of Tennessee.”
Yager represents Fentress and Pickett counties in the Upper Cumberland as well as Campbell, Morgan, Rhea, Roane and Scott.
Additionally, Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) was also awarded “Legislator of the Year.” The awards were given earlier this month at a TDDA legislative awards breakfast in Nashville.