The Jackson County Commissioners are considering appropriating funds for a fine arts center and gymnasium for Smoky Mountain High School.
The approved plan includes a 1,508-seat gym, a 754-seat theater, a chorus room and a theater workshop.
The cost is estimated to be $11.5 million, but due to desperation in the construction industry, costs may run at only 75% of the estimate. The county already has enough funding earmarked to cover the $520,000 design cost.
Superintendent Mike Murray justified the move:
The second-priority project is providing locker rooms for Blue Ridge School, Murray said. Both projects have a shared goal of benefiting the children of Jackson County.
“Kids are completely bipartisan,” Murray said. “What we’re asking for today is their future.”
