Governor Bredesen Announces Tennessee Roadscapes Grant for Knox County
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Environmental Division

Nashville, TN -- Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide a Tennessee Roadscapes Grant in the amount of $20,388 to Knox County to assist with the creation of a gateway into the community.

"These grants are a partnership between the state and community organizations to create more inviting spaces for Tennesseans to live and work by adding environmentally friendly landscaping projects along our key roadways," said Bredesen. "Whether used for litter clean-up programs, to improve sidewalks, or to add roadside trees and flowers, these funds help boost local economies and improve quality of life."

“This grant will aid in the enhancement of the entryway into the Powell Community, and create another attractive gateway into Knox County,” added Senator Randy McNally. “I’m pleased the state could assist with this project.”

“This is an important investment in our community and a wonderful way to showcase the best that Tennessee has to offer,” said Representative Bill Dunn.

The Knox County Roadscapes project includes landscaping along I-75 at the Emory Road interchange, featuring native plantings that will be easy to maintain. It will also include new welcome signage.

“This project will dramatically improve the appearance of this area,” said Representative Harry Brooks. “This is a gift that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

The Tennessee Roadscapes initiative was developed in 2006 as a partnership between community organizations across the state and TDOT to create inviting spaces through an integrated approach to roadside landscaping. TDOT funds 80 percent of the cost of a project with the grant recipient contributing the remaining 20 percent. Grants are derived from federal funds that are specifically earmarked for roadway enhancement projects.

“These grants will assist in improvements to the roadways that serve as the front door to our communities,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “The program will also create the opportunity to showcase our roads and the natural beauty of our state.”

The Tennessee Roadscapes program includes a variety of environmental stewardship and beautification programs:

• Landscaping with naturalized flowers and native flowering trees
• Memorials and parks
• Roadside tree planting
• Exotic and invasive plant removal
• Litter cleanup and prevention education programs
• Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Spot programs
• Community landscaping at intersections, street corners, medians, entrances, and gateways

For more information about the Tennessee Roadscapes program, please visit us online at www.tennessee.gov/tdot/roadscapes.