Governor Announces Sevierville Enhancement Grant

Sevier County representatives receive an Enhancement Grant for
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 for the Arboretum to Events Center Greenway Linkage Project – Sevierville.
Left to right, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Vice Mayor Dale Carr, Alderman Jerry Loveday, and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nashville, Tenn.—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Sevierville with an enhancement grant in the amount of $533,280 to assist in the development of the Arboretum to Events Center Greenway Linkage Project.

The project includes a walking/bicycle trail that connects the Sevierville Events Complex and the Burchfield Grove and Arboretum, among other destinations.

“This project is a component of the city’s overall Greenway Master Plan,” said Bredesen. “It represents a strong community effort and I’m please the state was able to assist.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by TDOT. TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely explained that in the early 1990s, Congress set up a system of funding for activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system. Since that time, many Tennessee communities have been recipients of those funds totaling in the millions of dollars.

“Such grant funded activities include historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and many other non-traditional transportation projects,” said Nicely.

Governor Bredesen recognized State Senator Raymond Finney and Representative Richard Montgomery for their help in securing the grant for the community.

“This project will provide wonderful opportunities for pedestrian activities and helps contribute to the overall greenway plan,” said Rep. Montgomery.

TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges made the announcement today on behalf of Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Nicely.

The proposed greenway extension would begin at the existing Burchfield Grove and Arboretum located at the intersection of Hardin Lane Road and West Main Street (US Highway 441/411). It would transition from the existing River Memorial Greenway and continue under the Chapman Highway Bridge. Once under the bridge, the new greenway would use the existing roadbed of Old Knoxville Highway and at this point, crate opportunities for a river front green space. The greenway would end at Gist Creek Road.