Governor Bredesen announces $17 million Transportation Enhancement Grants. Montgomery County among forty local community projects awarded grants to enhance transportation infrastructure.
TDOT’s communications office issued a press release reporting Governor Bredesen and Transportation Department Commissioner Gerald Nicely announcing $17 million in transportation enhancement grants for projects in 39 Tennessee communities and one statewide grant. The grants will be used to assist local communities in developing 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.”
Locally, the state will provide Montgomery County with an enhancement grant of $945,926 to assist with the development of the RJ Corman Railroad Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Phase I. The bridge is located on Riverside Drive in downtown Clarksville, near the historic Clarksville Welcome sign. The rehabilitation project will greatly enhance the aesthetic visual quality of the Clarksville River District, improve the bridge’s structural integrity and safety, and will further economic development and urban renewal efforts.
“This bridge is an important piece of Clarksville’s past and its future,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased we could provide the funds necessary to rehabilitate the bridge and transform it into a beautiful gateway into the city’s historic river district.”
Senator Tim Barnes added, “I’m pleased to support a project that will preserve an important piece of Clarksville’s history for generations to come.” “I’m pleased Governor Bredesen and TDOT are providing these funds for the continued improvement of Montgomery County,” said Representative Joe Pitts. “This project will encourage more people to visit and enjoy another of the historic sites our city has to offer.”
“Clarksville is committed to making the river district a wonderful area for residents and visitors,” said Representative Curtis Johnson. “I thank the state for making this investment in Montgomery County.” “This bridge is so unique and rich with history,” added Representative Phillip Johnson. “A project to preserve this structure for Montgomery County has my full support.”
“Through the Transportation Enhancement Grant Program, TDOT has helped fund approximately $205 million in transportation related projects,” said Nicely. “The 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.”
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.
The Montgomery County project will include construction engineering, the sand blast cleaning and painting of the bridge’s steel components, and the rehabilitation of the swing span control building.
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. For a list of grant recipients and detailed information on each grant please visit: www.tdot.state.tn.us//news/2009/enhancementgrants.htm. For more information, contact TDOT Communications Office, 615-741-2331.
That’s great news. Good articles Turner!