The Rhea County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday evening to approve the purchase of a new road grader for the county highway department, a move officials say will speed up road maintenance across the county.

Highway Department Superintendent presented the request to commissioners, noting that the department's current grader has logged more than a decade of service and repairs have grown increasingly costly. The new equipment is expected to arrive before the winter maintenance season begins.

"This is an investment in keeping our roads safe and our crews working efficiently," one commissioner said during the discussion. The purchase will be funded through the county's existing equipment reserve.

County officials said residents may notice the new grader on rural road projects beginning later this month. A full breakdown of the equipment budget is expected to be presented at the next commission meeting.

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