Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Monteagle

Enhancement Grant for Mountain Goat Special Trail:
 Left to right, Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Rep. Bill Harmon, Kelly Foutch,
 Grundy County Mayor LaDue Bouldin, Gov. Phil Bredesen, City Mayor Charles Rollins.

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Monteagle in Grundy County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $582,560 to assist with Phase III of the Mountain Goat Special Trail.

Phase III of the Mountain Goat Special Trail is part of a comprehensive, multi-use trail plan to restore the original Mountain Goat Rail Line as a Bike/Pedestrian Trail that will ultimately connect four cities.

“The history of the rail line is an important part of the history of most of the families in Grundy County and their livelihoods for many years,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this one that will enhance the community and help preserve the fond memories of so many.”

“The extension of the trail will have a tremendous impact on the local community and economy,” stated Representative Bill Harmon. “It’s exciting to watch the progress of this project and I’m happy I was able to assist in bringing this grant to Monteagle.”

The scope of the work will be to construct a ten-foot wide asphalt trail on the existing railroad bed. It will include grading, clearing, landscaping, fencing, signage, and bike lane symbol painting.

“Monteagle Mountain has long been a destination for outdoor and environmental enthusiasts,” added Senator Jerry Cooper. “This trail will only add to amenities available to residents and visitors year-round.”

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 will link the residents of Sewanee to the town of Monteagle. More than 300,000 people are expected to benefit from the project.