Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Macon County

Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Macon County

Enhancement Grant for Macon County Welcome Center:
Left to right, Lona Vinson, Janice Gammons, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely,
Paul Thompson, Mayor Glen Donoho, Kathy Keene, Gov. Phil Bredesen, Tammy Dixson, Sen. Mae Beavers.

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide Macon County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $250,000 to assist with the development of the Macon County Welcome Center.

“Macon County is the home to three historic hotels and has much to offer visitors who will now have a welcoming place to go to find out more about the area,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this one that enhance local communities for the benefit of our citizens and visitors alike.”

“Tourism is a growing enterprise in Macon County and this new Welcome Center is much needed,” added Representative Frank Buck. “I’m glad I was able to help bring this project home.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“Including this year’s enhancement grants, TDOT has helped fund approximately $189 million worth of transportation related projects such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “These grants were made possible in the 1990s when Congress established a grant system funding activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”

According to the grant application, the Welcome Center will be located in Lafayette, Tennessee.