Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for South Pittsburg

Enhancement Grant for South Pittsburg Rails-to-Trails Project:
 Left to right TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Rep. Bill Harmon,
 Mayor Mike Killian, and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of South Pittsburg in Marion County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $268,893 to assist with the development of the South Pittsburg Rails-to-Trails Project.

“This rails-to-trails project will contribute to the overall revitalization of downtown South Pittsburg by taking advantage of the old Sequatchie Valley Short-line railroad and connecting it to other nearby towns for recreational purposes,” said Governor Bredesen. “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 is a top priority of mine,” stated Representative Bill Harmon. “It embraces a vision we all share, and that is of a more beautiful, thriving, downtown South Pittsburg.”

“This is really only the beginning of a long-term commitment to provide pedestrian and bicycle routes between local businesses and neighborhoods,” added Senator Ward Crutchfield. “This is a good investment for the state to make.”

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 funds included in the grant will be used to construct more than 9,000 feet of concrete sidewalk for pedestrians and bicyclists. This will be Phase One of a multi-phase project that will eventually connect South Pittsburg to the town of Kimball to the north, and the city of Bridgeport, Alabama to the south.