Governor Bredesen Announces Union City Enhancement Grant

Nashville, Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredsen announced today that the state will provide Union City with an enhancement grant in the amount of $196,038 to go toward the development of the Railroad Heritage Trail.

“This grant will help light the path along this trail that will become an integral part of the Union City community,” said Bredesen. “I am happy the state is able to assist in supporting this important community effort.”

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Gerald Nicely presented the grant on behalf of the Governor today in Union City. He explained that the grant comes from a federally funded Enhancement Grant Program administered by TDOT.

“In the 1990’s, Congress set up an enhancement grant system of funding for activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system,” said Nicely. “These grant-funded activities include historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and many other non-traditional transportation projects.”

This project consists of the installation of 43 decorative lights in the city’s historic downtown business district. The lights will be located along the streets that form the Railroad Heritage Trail. The project will also allow for curb work along the street intersections along the proposed trail.

Commissioner Nicely commended House Transportation Committee Chairman Phillip Pinion and State Senator Roy Herron on their work in helping secure the grant for the Obion County city.

“The community is very involved in this entire project. Getting the lighting for the trail taken care of is a great first step,” said Pinion.

”We hope to create a scenic streetscape downtown that draws residents and tourists,” said Herron.

Handicapped ramps will also be installed as a part of this project.