Governor Bredesen Awards Enhancement Grant for Hawkins Co.

NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders at the Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $168,000 for phase two of the Hale Springs Inn restoration project.

 

The grant funds will be used to continue restoration of the Hale Springs Inn. The Inn served as an important stop on Tennessee's first roadway, "Tennessee Highway #1", the first major highway funded by the state. Built in 1824, the Hale Springs Inn was a respite for many dignitaries on their way to Washington D.C., including all three U.S. Presidents from Tennessee.

 

"Hale Spring Inn holds an important chapter in Tennessee history and provides a glimpse of early life in east Tennessee," said Governor Bredesen. "In today's fast paced world it's important to preserve our rich history and teach our children what life was like in Tennessee before automobiles and cell phones."

 

"The restoration of Hale Springs Inn is extremely important to the heritage of Hawkins County and east Tennessee," said Representative Mike Harrison. "The completion of phase 2 of the restoration project is crucial if the Inn is to function once again as an operational historical attraction."

 

"This investment will preserve the rich history of Rogersville and Hawkins County for many years to come. I'm pleased the state is assisting with this much needed restoration," added Senator Mike Williams.

 

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 1990's to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation's transportation system.

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TDOT Communications Office
615-741-2331