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

 Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for City of Bethel Springs in McNairy Co.

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $323,268 for the Bethel Springs Downtown Streetscape Enhancement project.

The grant funds will be used to renovate an abandoned banking building into the proposed Bethel Station for use as a Visitor's Center of Culture and History.  The project also includes the installation of approximately 270 feet of sidewalks along Main Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, including ADA accessible ramps and streetscape enhancements.

“The Bethel Springs Downtown Streetscape project will create a more walkable downtown area for residents, especially the students of Bethel Springs Elementary School,” said Governor Bredesen.  “The new Bethel Station will also serve as a welcoming place to educate visitors and citizens on the history and heritage of the Bethel Springs community.”

“I’m pleased to see the state providing this support to the Bethel Springs Downtown Streetscape project,” said Senator John Wilder. “These improvements will create a safer downtown atmosphere for pedestrians and will encourage a more active community.”

Rep. Randy Rinks added, “Bethel Station will become a destination point for tourists and residents who are interested in learning about the town’s rich culture and history.  I’m pleased to have been part of making these funds available.”

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

“TDOT has funded more than $189 million in transportation related projects through our Enhancement Grant Program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “This program provides funds to cities, counties and state organizations to fund activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping, streetscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects.” 

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

Bethel Station will be located on the northwest corner of Main Street (Old Highway 45) and Third Avenue.  This Visitor's Center of Culture and History will house literature about the town's rich culture, including the old railway station, the civil war history of the town, the abundant water springs located throughout the community, as well as other information relating to the proposed McNairy County Visitor's Center.

Streetscape improvements include the addition of sidewalks and improved drainage along Main Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, ornamental paved crosswalks at intersections, ADA compliant sidewalk ramps, landscaping, and new aesthetically pleasing lighting fixtures.