Haslam Announces Transportation Grant For City of Norris

NORRIS – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer announced today the award of a $347,760 transportation alternative grant to the city of Norris for the East Norris Sidewalk Improvements project.

The project includes a six-foot-wide concrete trail starting at the intersection of East Norris Road and Dairy Pond Road extending approximately 2,000 feet to Andersonville Highway. At the end of the trail, two crosswalks will be constructed to provide pedestrians with safe access to Sycamore Place and a nearby shopping center.  The project will join existing sidewalks along East Norris Road, providing the final connection to area schools, recreational facilities, the local business district, and shopping.

“It is great to see communities across the state creating a network of walkways for residents and visitors,” Haslam said. “When complete, this project will give Norris citizens and visitors the opportunity to walk or bike to their homes, jobs and other businesses.”

The transportation alternative grant is made possible through a federally funded program formerly known as transportation enhancement, and is administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“Through these grants, TDOT has funded more than $318 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” Schroer said.  “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”

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.

Sen. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) represent Anderson County in the Tennessee General Assembly.