TUSCUMBIA — The Colbert County Community Development Committee approved grants Thursday totaling more than $132,000 but was urged to scrutinize grant applications more thoroughly.

Probate Judge Tommy Crosslin, who chairs the five-member committee but does not vote, told members to inspect grant applications to be sure they specify how the money will be used.

“What bothers me is some of these grant applications ask for stuff, but don’t give a lot of description,” Crosslin said.

The committee distributes money paid to the state by the Tennessee Valley Authority as a portion of its in-lieu-of-tax payments. TVA pays tax equivalent payments annually in the eight states where it sells electricity or owns generating plants, transmission lines, substations and other assets, and directly to 146 local governments where TVA owns power facilities. The money is primarily supposed to be distributed to schools, volunteer fire departments, senior centers and nonprofit and other organizations. Groups must get the request approved by their local legislator and committee representative prior to approval by the committee.

Even though he does not vote on the applications, Crosslin said he likes it when the applications specifically state how the money will be used.

He said some applications are close to going beyond the original purpose of the grants.

“It’s supposed to help the smaller groups, boys and girls clubs, fire and police departments,” committee member Ken Blackstock said. “It’s supposed to be for the rural areas that can’t afford things.”

In the past four years the committee has been active, it has distri- buted $1.7 million throughout the Shoals.

“I think we’ve helped the community,” Crosslin said.

Grants were approved Thursday for the following organizations:

wrestling team uniforms, travel expenses, tournament fees.

Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.