Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for City of Rutledge

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen awarded the city of Rutledge an enhancement grant in the amount of $10,696 at an event in Tazewell. The funds will be used for the development of the Entryway Enhancement Project.

This project includes the construction of three welcome signs on Highway 11W at the east boundary and west boundary and on Highway 92 north.

“I’m pleased the state is able to lend support to this project to add inviting gateways to the city of Rutledge,” said Bredesen. “This project will transform key entrances to Rutledge that could help boost the economy and tourism for this area.”

“This is an excellent use of grant funds and the end result will be something many people will enjoy,” Senator Micheal Williams added. “I’m thrilled to have been able to assist with this grant process.”

“A lot of people worked hard to make this happen,” said Representative Dennis Roach. ”This project will be something we can all take pride in.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“Through the Enhancement Grant Program, TDOT has helped fund approximately $189 million in 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.

The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.

This project also includes landscaping in addition to the new welcome signs. The landscaping will help beautify the entrance way, making it more inviting for travelers and the citizens of Rutledge.