Governor Bredesen Announces Turkey Creek Greenway Enhancement Grant

Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state is providing the City of Morristown with an enhancement grant in the amount of $1,206,712 to continue to develop its Turkey Creek Greenway project. “It is my honor to present this grant to the City of Morristown. The Turkey Creek Greenway project will enhance not only the livability of Morristown, but it will also benefit the city’s tourism and economic development efforts.” said Governor Bredesen. “I would like to congratulate the leadership of Morristown for their forward thinking approach to meeting the transportation needs for the city while protecting the beauty and atmosphere of this community.” The grants consist of federal money provided through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. The City of Morristown received smaller grants totaling about $250,000 to fund the first phases of the greenway in 2000 and 2001. The Turkey Creek Greenway will link Morristown’s residential, business and historic districts and will provide a safe and alternative method of transportation for the 25-thousand people who live, work and visit Morristown. “This project was chosen because we believe the continued development of a citywide greenway system here will stimulate the local economy by means of commercial activity, reinvestment in downtown, as well as by providing opportunities to enhance tourism,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “More importantly, the greenway will provide an alternative transportation route and new recreational and health benefits.” Nicely said the grant announced today will fund more than 25-thousand feet of off-road greenway, with a 10-foot wide asphalt trail that will run along the Turkey Creek corridor. “This phase consists of two sections. Section one will run along Turkey Creek from the downtown business district of Morristown to Cherokee Lake and then terminate at Fred Miller Park,” Nicely added. “Section two will begin at the Jaycee Park, continue through Valley Street onto Lincoln Avenue to Jackson Street, and then back to Fred Miller Park.” According to TDOT, the project will also include the installation of benches, bicycle racks, signs, lighting and landscaping. Nicely said, “The local government match required for this grant is approximately $302,000 and that says a great deal about the commitment this city has to the trail.” Today’s announcement was held at Walter’s State Community College in Morristown.