Governor Bredesen Announces Harriman Enhancement Grant

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the City of Harriman with an enhancement grant in the amount of $106,998 to assist with the construction of the Harriman Visitor Center and Streetscape Project.

“During the last ninety years, the Carnegie Library has served the citizens of Harriman,” said Bredesen. “I am so pleased the state is able to fund this project, which will create a new use for this building and make it accessible for everyone.”

Representing Governor Bredesen at a ceremony today, Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely commended State Senator Tommy Kilby and State Representative Dennis Ferguson for their help in securing the grant.

“This project will contribute to downtown Harriman’s character and identity, and will facilitate more growth in the business sector,’ said Senator Kilby.

“I am happy I could help secure funding for this project, which will provide the highest level of accessibility while preserving the historic character of the Carnegie Library,” said Representative Ferguson.

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.”

According to the grant application, the project includes the restoration of the Carnegie Library for use as the Harriman Visitor Center along with the addition of sixteen crosswalks in the area.

City officials expect approximately 10,000 people will use and benefit from the Harriman Visitor Center and Streetscape Project.