Crowe named legislator of the year by TDDA

From Staff Reports

   NASHVILLE -- The Tennessee Development District (TDDA) named Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) as Legislator of the Year during a public presentation at its annual luncheon in Nashville on Wednesday.
   "I accept this award on behalf of the Development District staff and my colleagues who make up our Northeast Tennessee Legislative Caucus and who work so well as a team for all of Northeast Tennessee," said Crowe.
   Tennessee Development Districts carry on general and comprehensive planning and development activities for local governments and communities.
   The 1st Tennessee Development District includes eight counties and 20 municipalities and serves the region through planning, coordination and technical assistance. Their main thrust is to improve the quality of life in Northeast Tennessee and to help in solving problems regarding economic development and regional growth.
   "I am very proud of the work our 1st Tennessee Development District does," stated Crowe. "Receiving this award means a great deal to me because the Development District is such a valuable tool in helping the people I represent better their lives and their communities."
   A Development District accomplishes its goals through economic and community development; economic development financing; research and planning; environmental management activities; housing studies; human resource evaluations; and services to senior citizens.
   Specific improvement items in which a Development District may become involved are helping bring water infrastructure to communities that have never had water before, bringing sewer systems to those who have never had them before, helping with developing roads, helping communities write grants, and helping people find and build affordable housing.
   Crowe represents the 3rd Senatorial District which includes Carter and Washington counties. He captured over 72 percent of the votes cast in the 3rd District senate election on Nov. 5, 2002.