Governor Bredesen Announces Greeneville Enhancement Grant

Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that the state will provide the town of Greeneville with an enhancement grant in the amount of $132,880 to assist with the creation of the Greeneville Historical Walkway.

“This trail will be an enormous asset to the Greeneville community, connecting a number of historic sites and downtown businesses,” said Bredesen.  “We hope this trail will encourage economic development in Greeneville and are pleased to be able to contribute to this effort.” 

Governor Bredesen made the announcement in Greeneville today along with the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Gerald Nicely. 

“This grant was made possible through a program operated by TDOT,” said Nicely.  “In the 1990’s, Congress set up an enhancement grant system of funding for activities like this one, designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.  These grant funded activities include historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and many other non-traditional transportation projects.” 

Bredesen and Nicely commended State Representative Eddie Yokley, State Senator Steve Southerland and State Representative David Hawk with working to help secure the grant for the Greene County town. 

“The Greeneville Historical Walkway will run throughout the town of Greeneville, providing a safe and beautiful path around town for residents and visitors alike,” said Yokley.  “The walkway will begin at the parking area located parallel to the Big Springs Park and run southeast along College Street toward Academy Street and on to the wooded area located within downtown.”

 “The trail has received a great deal of public support,” said Southerland.  “It will be a source of pride for Greeneville and Greene County.” 

“This project includes improving existing sidewalks in the downtown area which will benefit everyone in town.  That’s another reason this grant was a good choice,” said Hawk.