Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for the City of Harriman in Roane Co.

NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a $317,846 transportation enhancement grant to the city of Harriman in Roane County for the Trailhead at the Princess Theater Complex project.

 

The grant funds will be used to renovate the Princess Theater lobby and restrooms to serve as a trailhead for both the Downtown Harriman Walking Trail and the Cornstalk Heights Walking Trail. Construction of the Trailhead at the Princess Theater will allow visitors and locals using the walking, biking and driving tours of Harriman to visit the historic theater and access upgraded, ADA accessible, restroom facilities located within the main lobby.

 

“The historic Princess Theater, which was built in 1939, brought entertainment to this community for 60 years,” said Governor Bredesen. “Today, the theater is once again poised to become a centerpiece of the community and will enhance the revitalization of downtown Harriman.”

 

“The Princess Theater will serve as a welcoming trailhead for those walking along both the Downtown Harriman and the Cornstalk Heights Walking Trails,” said Representative Dennis Ferguson. “The historic Art Deco landmark was once a major entertainment venue for this region and will once again be a thriving center for the community.”

 

Senator Tommy Kilby added, “This project is the first step to revitalizing downtown Harriman. I’m pleased to see the state providing this support for the project.”

 

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

 

“TDOT has funded more than $189 million in transportation related projects through our Enhancement Grant Program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This program provides funds to cities, counties and state organizations to fund activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping, streetscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects.” 

 

The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.

 

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