Governor Haslam Announces Enhancement Grant For Winchester

Grant to fund Winchester Downtown Revitalization Phase IV

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam joined state and local leaders today to announce the award of a $544,000 transportation enhancement grant to the City of Winchester for pedestrian enhancements which are part of Phase IV of the Winchester Downtown Revitalization Project.

The pedestrian enhancements include the construction of sidewalks along First Avenue Northwest and First Avenue Southwest from South High Street to South Jefferson Street. The project also includes new decorative lighting, pedestrian signalization, signage, crosswalks, utility relocation, landscaping and pedestrian amenities. The project is designed to improve access to Winchester’s business and services district, retail stores, restaurants, churches and residential areas.

“As in many Tennessee communities, Winchester’s downtown area serves as a central point of retail, government and professional services,” Haslam said. “This project will complement other improvements to the downtown district and will create a more pedestrian friendly environment as we work to make Tennessee an even better place to live, work and play. I’m pleased the state could make this investment in Franklin County.”
   
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded approximately $250 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. “Established by Congress in the early 1990’s, the program supports activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”

A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.

This district is represented by state Rep. David Alexander (R-Winchester) and state Sen. Eric Stewart (D-Belvidere).