Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-1602

The general assembly further finds and declares the state financial support for AHEC activities within Tennessee is an essential criterion of the federal government in determining the eligibility for continued federal financial support. The intent of the federal government is that the state assume financial responsibility for AHEC programs after receiving federal funds for initial planning, development and start-up. State financial support is also necessary to generate matching federal contributions that may be as much as a one-to-one match of state dollars.