Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Ashland City

Enhancement Grant for Ashland City Scenic & Environmental Enhancements on SR-49,
 Rep. Phillip Johnson, Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Don Cochran, Myrla Sproat, Larry Roberts, Ginger Jarrett,
 Gov. Phil Bredesen, Phyllis Shaeffer, Mayor Gary Norwood

Nashville, Tenn. -- Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the town of Ashland City in Cheatham County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $649,057 to assist with the Ashland City Scenic & Environmental Enhancement Project on State Route 49 in the downtown district.

“This project will not only make Ashland City’s Downtown District safer for pedestrians and motorists, it will also establish an aesthetically pleasing street, “ said Governor Bredesen. “The improvements are vital to the continuing growth and prosperity of Ashland City and I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this to enhance local communities for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike.”

Ashland City requested the enhancement grant, stating that the project will restore the beauty of the downtown district, which will attract new businesses as well as create a better atmosphere for existing businesses. According to the city, sidewalks will be replaced, street lights will be added, and new landscaping and pedestrian crosswalks will be installed.

“More than 800 feet of added or improved sidewalks will make the district safer for pedestrians,“ added Senator Rosalind Kurita. “It will also allow them easier access to downtown shopping.”

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.”

State Route 49, which is Cumberland Street from Main Street on the east to Cheatham
Rail Line on the west, is the center of Ashland City’s civic, cultural, and commercial town center. It was established in 1856.

Representative Phillip Johnson also represents Ashland City in the Tennessee General Assembly.