Governor Bredesen Announces Roadscapes Grants for 15 Tennessee Cities

NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen announced $490,178 in Roadscapes Grants will be awarded to 15 Tennessee cities at a ceremony later today. The grants will be used to assist local communities with landscaping improvements to area roadways.

 

"The development of well-planned landscaping programs create inviting surroundings that boost local economies and improve the quality of life for citizens," said Bredesen.  "It's important to create welcoming places for people to live and work and to build a sense of pride in one's community."

 

For a complete listing of Roadscapes Grant recipients, including specific project information, visit the TDOT website.

 

The Tennessee Roadscapes initiative was developed in 2006 as a partnership between community organizations across the state and TDOT to create inviting spaces through an integrated approach to roadside landscaping. TDOT funds 80 percent of the cost of a project with the grant recipient contributing the remaining 20 percent. Grants are derived from federal funds that are specifically earmarked for roadway enhancement projects.

 

"These grants will assist in improvements to the roadways that serve as the front door to our communities," said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "The program will also create the opportunity to showcase our roads and the natural beauty of our state."

 

The Tennessee Roadscapes program includes a variety of environmental stewardship and beautification programs:

 

·                     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

·                     Community landscaping at intersections, street corners, medians, entrances, and gateways

  

For more information about the Tennessee Roadscapes program, please visit us on the web.