Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Athens

Enhancement Grant for Athens Pedestrian Enhancement Project,
 TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, City Manager Mitchell Moore, Rep. Bob McKee,
 Mayor John Proffitt, and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the city of Athens in McMinn County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $416,441 to assist with the Athens Sidewalk Improvement Project.

“This project is designed to provide sidewalks where there are none in areas where pedestrians currently have to resort to walking in the street at times to get to school, to recreational facilities or to businesses,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this one to improve the sidewalk system in Athens that will enhance the community for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike.”

“I’m happy I was able to help bring this grant to McMinn County,” added Representative Robert McKee. “Something as simple as a sidewalk can make a big difference in the safety of a child getting to school or an older citizen going to a doctor’s office for medical treatment.”

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.”

According to the grant application, the project will consist of 33,000 feet of new concrete sidewalks. They will include handicap access ramps at all street corners.