The first grant of $88.5 million, provided through the Department of Education Appropriations Act, gives overall assistance to public schools with special education or disabled student, which totals 128,273 in Tennessee. State and local school officials can use the funds for general programs, supplies or infrastructure improvements to provide a quality education.

  Another grant award of $6.8 million, provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is given to state educational agencies to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities aged 3 to 5 years old.

  A third grant award of $6.6 million, which is also provided through the Individuals with Disabilities Act, is given to implement a comprehensive statewide system to provide early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.

  "These allocations of federal money are very important for our state's educational system and especially for the students with special needs," Rep. Bryant said. "I am very pleased to announce these grants and I'm confident that the special education and disability programs will be enhanced with these funds."