NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — After talking with Nashville Mayor John Cooper, Governor Bill Lee said the city won't be getting the money the mayor asked for because federal aid has already been distributed across the state.
In early September, Mayor Cooper pleaded with the state for $82.6 million. He wanted the money to support the tourism industry and other businesses. However, Governor Lee met the inquiry with criticism about the spending of millions of dollars of CARES act funding.
Since then, Governor Lee said he met with Mayor Cooper. He said it's encouraging to see some improvement in Nashville's economy, but federal aid dollars weren't going to happen.
“The state’s distribution actually heavily favors Davidson County," said Governor Lee. "So, the coronavirus funds that come to the state are distributed by population, among other things. Davidson County already receives the biggest portion of those state funds. He was requesting funds beyond what’s been spent in the county and that will not happen.”
When asked about whether or not the mayor taking actions to reopen the county would help with potential aid, Gov. Lee had this to say.
“I think he’s making decisions about what’s best for Davidson County because he knows what’s best for the county. And that that’s going to generate more economic activity for the county and the state. That’s a good thing," he said.
