Governor Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for Town of Tazewell & Claiborne County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer announced a $466,604 transportation enhancement grant to the town of Tazewell and Claiborne County for the Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Project.

The sidewalk renovations for downtown Tazewell will begin at the historic courthouse on Main Street and travel parallel with State Route 33, branching out to all four roadways that connect to the center of downtown. The project will include the replacement of existing sidewalks, installation of underground utilities, pedestrian lighting, benches, trash receptacles, and signage. 

“If a town or city is going to thrive, then its downtown must be its heart, and these projects increase the sense of community and can help encourage business growth,” Haslam said. “This project in Tazewell will enhance the character and feel of Tazewell’s historic downtown while also keeping pedestrians safe and encouraging more residents to walk to their destinations.”

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

“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more than $270 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer.  “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”

A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.

State Sen. Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) and state Rep. Dennis Roach (R-Rutledge) represent Claiborne County in the Tennessee General Assembly.

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