Governor Bredesen Announces Loudon County Enhancement Grant

Nashville, Tenn.—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Loudon with an enhancement grant in the amount of $144,100 to assist with the development of the Historic Wharf Street Greenway Project.

The purpose of the project is to construct a walking trail along the Tennessee River on what was originally Wharf Street.

“Creating additional transportation options is important for the development of a city’s infrastructure, especially along a waterway,” said Bredesen. “I’m glad the state could assist with this project in Loudon.”

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely announced the award at a ceremony on behalf of the Governor. He credited Representative Russell Johnson and Senator Randy McNally with helping secure the grant for Loudon.

“This trail will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the historic riverfront corridor in Loudon,” said Johnson. “It will significantly contribute to the revitalization of the area.”

“The trail will connect two area parks, a senior living complex and a senior citizens center to a commercial development along historic Wharf Street,” added McNally. “This is a very positive improvement for Loudon.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Commissioner 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. During the last 14 years, more than $154 million dollars in projects have been funded in communities all across Tennessee.

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

The trail is adjacent to US Highway 11 and will run in an eastern direction for 1,000 feet until it reaches the Tennessee River.