Governor Awards National Scenic Byway Grant to Fund Project to Reassess Scenic Byway Program

Grant To Fund Project To Reassess Scenic Byway Program
Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a $164,000 National Scenic Byway Program grant to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to fund the “Tennessee Scenic Byways Program – Reassessment and Redevelopment” project.

“Tennessee’s Scenic Byways Program is an important resource in highlighting the beautiful and historical features of our state,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “The Scenic Byway designation draws attention to these roadways, giving drivers an opportunity to explore a little more of Tennessee’s natural beauty.”

The grant awarded for the Tennessee Scenic Byways Program – Reassessment and Redevelopment project will provide funding for the development of a statewide comprehensive plan to reassess, modify and rejuvenate the existing Tennessee Scenic Byways Program.

“The goal of this program is to create a distinctive collection of American roads, their stories and treasured places,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Rejuvenating this program will help tell Tennessee’s story to those traveling our state.”

The Tennessee State Scenic Byways Program is designed to recognize and showcase outstanding cultural, historical, archeological, recreational, natural and scenic resources along Tennessee’s public highways. The program supports organizations in their quest for National Scenic Byway funding and recognition.

The six grants awarded today total $436,639 and encompass projects affecting 16 counties in Tennessee. The grants are made possible through a federally funded program administered by TDOT.