Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for City of Knoxville

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today the award of a transportation alternative grant for $1,865,149 to the city of Knoxville for the Northwest Greenway Connector - Phase 2.

This project includes construction of a greenway beginning at a new trailhead at Middlebrook Pike (SR-169) and Third Creek Road and ending at the SR-62 Western Avenue Pedestrian Bridge. The project also includes landscaping, a retaining wall, ADA upgrades and fencing.

“The city of Knoxville is committed to providing safe pedestrian and bicyclist facilities for its residents and linking critical economic, residential, and recreational areas,” Haslam said. “Projects like this enhance the lives of Tennesseans and make our communities more livable. I’m pleased the state can assist.”

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 $372 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” TDOT Commissioner John 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. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), Rep. Roger Kane (R-Knoxville) and Rep. Eddie Smith (R-Knoxville) represent Knox County in the Tennessee General Assembly.