TDOT Roadscapes Program Receives National Environmental Excellence Award

Nashville, TN— The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is pleased to announce that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded TDOT’s Tennessee Roadscapes Program with a 2007 Environmental Excellence Award. FHWA selected TDOT’s new Roadscapes program as a national example of excellence in roadside resource management and maintenance.

“Tennessee’s roadways really are the front doors to our communities,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “This new initiative helps communities improve their entryways and create welcoming places where people live and work. These projects build a sense of pride in local communities and also help Tennessee cities and towns attract tourists, new residents and new businesses.”

“This is a great honor for our Roadscapes Program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This program creates an opportunity for TDOT to work with community organizations across the state to create inviting spaces which showcase our roads and the natural beauty of our state.”

The Tennessee Roadscapes initiative was developed in 2006 as a partnership between community organizations across the state and TDOT. The program supports a variety of environmental stewardship and beautification programs including: landscaping with naturalized flowers and native flowering trees; memorials and parks; roadside tree planting; exotic and invasive plant removal; litter cleanup and prevention education programs; Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Spot programs; and community landscaping at intersections, street corners, medians, entrances, and gateways.

“By integrating environmental protection and enhancement with traditional highway engineering,” said Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka, the nation’s top highway official, “these projects not only set a good example for the transportation community, they set a high standard of excellence in project decision-making for the next generation.”

“The Roadscapes Program provides opportunities for a variety of environmental and beautification initiatives,” added Ed Cole, TDOT Chief of Environment and Planning. “Whether it’s litter clean-up programs, or the addition of roadside trees and flowers, this program helps boost local economies and improves the quality of life for Tennesseans.”

TDOT’s Roadscapes Program was one of thirteen winners selected in twelve different categories. For more about the FHWA Environmental Excellence Awards, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/eea2007/index.htm.

For more information about the Tennessee Roadscapes program, visit us online at www.tennessee.gov/tdot/roadscapes.