Congressman Cohen Delivers $14.7 Million in Community Projects

WASHINGTON – The spending bills President Trump signed into law today contain major community projects for Tennessee’s 9^th Congressional District worth more than $14.7 million for which Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) sought funding through the annual appropriations process.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“This Fiscal Year 2026 federal funding bill will deliver important physical improvements to institutions in Tennessee’s 9^th Congressional District, including major renovations of iconic structures like Clayborn Temple, the gathering place for striking sanitation workers in 1968 which burned last April, and Mason Temple, where Dr. King delivered his last ‘Mountaintop’ speech. These are investments in our history, culture and quality of life, and I’m pleased to see them signed into law.”

Specifically in Tennessee’s 9^th Congressional District, the Transportation and Housing spending bill contains the following community projects:

1. Historic Mason Temple Restoration Project -- $1,200,000. The funding will be used for the restoration, rehabilitation, and technology system upgrade to the historic site.
2. Historic Sterick Renovation and Restoration Project -- $1,200,000. The funding will be used to restore the historic Sterick building, which was one the tallest buildings in the South before being abandoned and becoming one of Memphis’ largest blighted structure.
3. Covenant Gardens Senior Apartments -- $1,000,000. The funding will be used to build 103 units of affordable housing for lower-income seniors.
4. Monroe Plaza and extended pedestrian infrastructure improvements -- $850,000. The funding will be used to convert an underutilized street into a new downtown plaza.
5. Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades at Montgomery Plaza -- $850,000. The funding for the Memphis Housing Authority will be used to upgrade the existing electrical infrastructure.
6. University of Memphis Park Avenue Campus Upgrades - $850,000. Funds will be used to replace the water and sewer lines, repave and restripe for long term use and pedestrian and vehicle safety on the Park Avenue Campus.
7. Memphis Community Engagement Youth Facility Renovation and Vulnerable Family Housing Project - $850,000. Funds will be used to renovate community facilities serving at-risk youth and provide additional housing for vulnerable families experiencing homelessness.  The city will work in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis and Hospitality Hub.
8. Memphis Homeless Veterans Homes Renovation Project -- $250,000. The funding will be used for renovations to support homeless veterans’ housing. The city will work in collaboration with Alpha Omega Veterans.
9. Reimagining Southwest Tennessee Community College Renovations Project - $250,000. The funding will be used to renovate and modernize key facilities on the campus.
10. Memphis Airport Terminal Modernization and Seismic Project - $4,250,000. The funding, jointly requested with Congressman David Kustoff (TN-8), will be used to seismically protect the airport departure roadway, enhance ADA access, and provide shelter for passengers from inclement weather.

The bills include funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), biomedical and cancer research, including $90 million for research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, the U.S. Agency for International Development polio program, community health centers, low-income energy assistance (LIEAP), Head Start programs, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Section 8 housing voucher program, public housing, housing for the disabled and elderly, and homeless assistance.

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