Governor Bredesen Announces Centerville Enhancement Grant

Hickman County representatives receive an Enhancement Grant for
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 for the Centerville Downtown Revitalization Project.
Left to right, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Mayor Ronnie Martin, City Recorder Patricia Skelton, and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Centerville with an enhancement grant in the amount of $427,879 to assist with the Downtown Revitalization Project.

"Centerville’s downtown district is the economic, political and social hub of this community," Bredesen said. “In two years, this town will celebrate its bicentennial and I am pleased the state is able to provide funds for improvements to this vital downtown area.”

Governor Bredesen recognized Mayor Ralph Loveless, who worked on behalf of the city to secure the grant.

“We are so excited to accept this enhancement grant for this downtown revitalization project. A lot of effort went into securing it and I am glad we have been recognized for our hard work,” said Loveless.

State Senator Doug Jackson and State Representatives David Shepard and John Tidwell represent Hickman County in the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The safety of our downtown district must be improved for both pedestrians and motorists,” said Sen. Jackson. “This project will help minimize several of the traffic flow and safety concerns as well as making the downtown area accessible to everyone.”

“We have a beautiful downtown, but it’s time to give it a makeover to both accent the many amenities we have here in Centerville, as well as to create a safer environment,” said Shepard.

“The proposed improvements will make Downtown Centerville more pedestrian friendly which will encourage residents and visitors to get out of their cars and explore the many things we have to offer in Downtown Centerville,” Rep. Tidwell stated.

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.”

The Centerville Downtown Revitalization Project improvements include reconstruction of 1,860 feet of sidewalks and curbs to make them ADA compliant, pedestrian crosswalks, traffic signalization, lighting, signage and landscaping around the public square.

City officials expect at least 27,295 people will directly or indirectly benefit from the Centerville Downtown Revitalization Project annually.