By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@TheCitizenNews.com

A $350,000 grant for improvements to Fayette County's McCurry Park is included in state appropriations for fiscal 2001, according to Sen. Greg Hecht, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

“I am very pleased about the appropriation,” said Hecht.

The money will be used for parts of a master plan for continued development of the park, said county manager Billy Beckett.

A gymnasium, a new Recreation Department office, six tennis courts, additional walking paths and other improvements are included in the plan.

“We do have $350,000 worth of needs,” said Beckett.

County Commission Chairman Harold Bost, who discussed the pending appropriation with Hecht earlier in the 2000 legislative session, said the county plans to apply the funds to the gymnasium portion of the planned park improvements.

“That's the way we can get the most out of it the quickest,” said Bost.

Fayette's County Commission agreed to match the state funds as part of negotiations for the grant appropriation, said Hecht.

“We have worked long and hard over this complex negotiation in the appropriations process,” he said. “I am thrilled for the families of Fayette County to be able to enjoy this new recreation complex.”

Other appropriations for Fayette include money for a baseball field for the town of Tyrone, and funds to help in the restoration of the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House, centerpiece of historic preservation efforts in Fayetteville.

“I am truly ecstatic over the tremendous appropriations for Fayette County in this budget,” said Hecht.

The 34th District Democrat represents portions of Fayette, Clayton, Douglas and Fulton counties.