Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Pulaski

Enhancement Grant for Trail of Tears Interpretive/Welcome Center:
 Left to right, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Harold Brooks,
 Mayor Dan Speer, Gov. Phil Bredesen, Rep. Joe Fowlkes.

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Pulaski in Giles County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $255,464 to assist with the city’s Trail of Tears Interpretive Welcome Center. The state has awarded another grant to this project previously.

“This Welcome Center will provide a convenience for travelers and will help mark a significant event in our nation’s history,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this to continue to help move this comprehensive project forward.”

According to the grant application, the Trail of Tears Interpretive Welcome Center will serve as a gateway to the city’s walkway system. It will also encourage visitors to learn more about Pulaski’s unique role in the historic Trail of Tears.

“These enhancement grants are an invaluable resource for local communities,” said Representative Joe Fowlkes. “Without them, constructing this unique tribute would not be possible.”

The Trail of Tears Interpretive Welcome Center is part of the seven phase Pleasant Run Walkway project. Once completed, it will serve as the gateway to the greenway system and provide information about Pulaski’s distinctive transportation heritage.

“Pulaski already draws many tourists because of its rich Civil War history,” added Senator Doug Jackson. “The welcome center will have tremendous appeal to visitors, and will no doubt have a positive impact on Pulaski’s economy.”

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 Trail of Tears Interpretive Welcome Center will occupy the former Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was recently relocated to U.S. Highway 64, also known as the David Crockett Highway.