Governor Bredesen Announces $15 Million in Enhancement Grants

NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen and Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely announced $15 million in transportation enhancement grants today awarded to 36 Tennessee communities and one statewide grant. The grants will assist local communities with the development of a variety of projects designed to enhance the state's transportation infrastructure. 

 

"The Enhancement Grant Program provides an opportunity for the state to work with local agencies to fund projects that enrich Tennessee communities in a variety of ways," said Bredesen. "Many will use these funds to build new sidewalks and bike trails that support healthier lifestyles, while others utilize the program to save historic structures for future generations. All of these are worthwhile projects that truly enhance the quality of life in local communities."

 

The Governor officially awarded the grants at a ceremony earlier today.

 

Transportation enhancement grants are made possible through a federally-funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

 

"TDOT has helped fund approximately $189 million in transportation related projects in more than 180 communities through the Enhancement Grant Program," said Nicely. "The funds can be used for a variety of qualifying projects, such as greenways, bike trails, landscaping, the restoration of historic facilities, and other non-traditional transportation projects."

 

The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990's to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation's transportation system. In order to qualify for transportation enhancement funds, a project must relate to surface transportation and qualify as one of the 12 eligible activities. A TE project must be accessible to the public.

 

 

For a complete list of grant award recipients, including project specific press releases, may be found on the TDOT website.