Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for City of Copperhill

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Copperhill with an enhancement grant in the amount of $8,800 to assist with the Copperhill Downtown Sidewalk Project.

”I am pleased the state is able to support projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians,” Bredesen said. “This project will also help to boost tourism generated by the McCaysville-Blue Ridge rail excursion train which stops just two blocks from this historic community.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

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

State Senator Jeff Miller said, “This project will improve pedestrian safety and will promote trips on the excursion train.”

State Representative Sally Love said, “I give my full support to this project which is an example of local government leaders’ dedication to the safety of our community.”

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

According to the grant application, the Copperhill Downtown Sidewalk project includes 320 feet of sidewalk improvements along Ferry Street, Ocoee Street, Grand Avenue and the corner of Main and Water Streets.

City officials expect close to 35,000 people will directly or indirectly benefit from this enhancement project.