Governor Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for Franklin

Grant to fund Eastern Flank Battlefield Access Improvement Project

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local leaders today to announce the award of a $500,000 transportation enhancement grant to the city of Franklin for the Eastern Flank Battlefield Access Improvement Project.

The Eastern Flank Battlefield Access Improvement Project includes the construction of an access drive from Lewisburg Pike to the Eastern Flank Battlefield property. The project also includes visitor center parking, interpretive trail network, landscaping, bike racks, signage, bio-retention area and other pedestrian amenities.  

“Tennessee’s Civil War battlefields are wonderful educational destinations, and they attract thousands of visitors to the state each year,” Haslam said. “It is imperative we preserve these areas and make the necessary improvements to ensure they are accessible to residents and visitors. I’m pleased the state can contribute to those efforts.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by TDOT.

“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more than $259 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” 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.

State Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and state Reps. Glen Casada (R-Franklin), Phillip Johnson (R-Pegram) and Charles Sargent (R-Franklin) represent Williamson County in the Tennessee General Assembly.