Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
 Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093

Governor Bredesen Announces Tennessee Roadscapes Grant for City of Cookeville
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 $26,700 to the city of Cookeville to assist with improvements to an important gateway into the city.

“The development of well-planned landscaping programs create inviting surroundings that boost local economies and improve the quality of life for citizens,” said Bredesen.  “It’s important to create welcoming places for people to live and work and to build a sense of pride in one’s community.”

 “This grant will aid in the enhancement of an important Cookeville gateway that is often used by travelers for access to the city’s goods and services,” added Senator Charlotte Burks.  “I am pleased the state could help with this project.”

“This is a wonderful way to showcase what the city has to offer and a great investment in our community,” said Representative Charles Curtiss.

The Cookeville Roadscapes project includes landscaping at exit 286 on I-40.  The plantings will include hardy flowering trees and shrubs along with perennials for seasonal color.

“This project will greatly improve the appearance of this area,” said Representative Henry Fincher. “Both residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this area now and in the future.”

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.