The State of Tennessee is giving Bedford County $4 million in funds to construct all the roads in the soon-to-be-expanded 231 North Industrial Park, members of Bedford County Commission’s Finance Committee were told Tuesday.  

No matching funds are required from the county, County Mayor Chad Graham said.  

That state contribution alone makes the purchase of industrial land by the county and City of Shelbyville worth the cost, in Graham’s view.  

The county just built roads to access industrial property in the past, but is now building a “comprehensive road system,” Graham said.  

The plan will allow full access and visibility from U.S. 231 North to Frank Martin Road; will eliminate the ‘S’ curve on Frank Martin Road; and will move traffic to and from adjoining Walmart Distribution Center off Frank Martin Road.  

“This is getting more and more exciting,” Commissioner Don Gallagher said of the increasing industrial and growth activity in Bedford County.  

Other activity at the meeting:  

• Gallagher asked why expenses for the county coroner’s office rose $3,000 in one month. The increase was due to a rise in drug-related deaths with autopsies being requested by investigators, County Finance Director Robert Daniel said.
• Seven students are scheduled to graduate in November from paramedic classes taught by Bedford County Emergency Medical Service, EMS Director Ted Cox said. Following successful completion of state exams, they will be available to fill vacant positions with the EMS.
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator) pads needed for heart patients are in extremely short supply due to the distribution-related shortages affecting many products in the nation and world, Cox said. A new ambulance has been ordered but Bedford County’s order is behind approximately 400 others due to delays and parts unavailability, Cox said. An order for six new Bedford County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles has also been delayed for the same reasons, Graham said.