Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Camden

Enhancement Grant for Camden Downtown Improvements:
Left to right, Rep. Willie “Butch” Borchert, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely,
 County Mayor Jimmy Wiseman, Camden Mayor Jim Travis,Alderman Harvey Jones,
 Gov. Phil Bredesen and Alderman Ernie Madrey.

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Camden in Benton County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $216,839 to assist with the Camden Downtown Improvement Project.

“This project will enhance downtown Camden while improving accessibility to the town square for pedestrians and motorists,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this one that will help boost the economy of the city and enhance the community for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike.”

The City of Camden requested the Enhancement Grant, stating that the project will improve the overall character and aesthetic appearance of the downtown area and improve safety around the town square. According to the city, pedestrian crosswalks will be replaced, old meter poles will be removed, and new landscaping, sidewalks and utilities will be installed.

”A portion of this grant will be used to replace or improve almost 5-thousand feet of sidewalks around the square,” added Senator Herron. “We can all be excited about what the future holds for our town square.”

“This is a project I have been committed to since the beginning,” stated Representative Borchert. “Camden is the largest city in Benton County, it is the county seat, and needs to continue to be a source of pride for us all.”

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

“Including this year’s enhancement grants, TDOT has helped fund approximately $189 million worth of transportation related projects such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “These grants were made possible in the 1990s when Congress established a grant system funding activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”

The Camden downtown area encompasses Highway 70, which becomes Main Street, circling the Benton County Courthouse.