Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Decatur County

Enhancement Grant for West Tennessee Welcome Center:
 SWDD Economic Development Director Dvon Duncan, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely,
 Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Kobiske, Mayor Kenneth Broadway,
 Rep. Steve McDaniel, Gov. Phil Bredesen. Rep. Randy Rinks.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide Decatur County in West Tennessee with an enhancement grant in the amount of $432,080 to assist with a new Welcome Center.

“This Welcome Center will serve as a gateway to West Tennessee, “said Governor Bredesen. “It will directly benefit all the businesses in the area that thrive on tourism. I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this to enhance local communities for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike.”

“This project will showcase the many tourism destinations in Decatur County, as well as the surrounding areas,” said Senator Roy Herron. “This is an important investment for the state to make.”

The 4200 square foot Welcome Center will be composed of stone and wood, and will feature a “river walk” through the concourse and display gallery. It will also provide valuable information about tourist destinations in the area.

“We also believe the West Tennessee/Decatur County Welcome Center will encourage restaurants and motels to locate in the area,” stated Representative Randy Rinks.

“This project will benefit more than just Decatur County,” added Representative Steve McDaniel. “As many as eight other counties stand to gain from the increased traffic.”

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 Welcome Center will be located at Exit 126 off Interstate 40, on scenic Highway 69.