Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0031

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Engrossed: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Refer: 4/4/23
• Enrolled: 4/21/23
• Passed: 5/2/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to designate the City of Friendsville as the Pink Marble Capital of Tennessee.

Impact

If adopted, SJR0031 would not change existing state laws but would serve as an official acknowledgment of Friendsville's unique status in the realm of marble production. This designation could potentially boost local tourism and pride, attracting visitors who are interested in the historical and cultural aspects of Tennessee marble. Such recognition can help to highlight the city’s contributions to architecture both within the state and across the nation, considering that notable structures using Tennessee marble include several iconic buildings in Washington, D.C., and other major cities.

Summary

SJR0031 is a resolution that aims to designate the City of Friendsville as the 'Pink Marble Capital of Tennessee'. The resolution highlights Friendsville's historical significance and its long-standing association with marble production. Since the 19th century, Tennessee marble has been a preferred choice for construction and architecture, with Friendsville being a key player in this industry. The resolution underscores the importance of preserving this cultural heritage by officially recognizing the city for its contributions to marble quarrying.

Contention

While the resolution appears largely non-controversial and aims to celebrate a local community, it does raise points of discussion around the value of local heritage versus broader state interests. There may be concerns regarding whether such designations divert attention from more pressing legislative matters. However, the unanimous vote of 96-0 during its approval indicates that the resolution was regarded favorably by the legislators and reflects a broad consensus on the importance of celebrating local cultures and histories.