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

Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for City of Camden in Benton County

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $563,655 for Phase II of the Camden Downtown Improvements project in Benton County.

The grant funds will be used to complete construction of a curb around the courthouse parking, installation of lighting along North Lake Street and landscaping in the green space provided in Phase I and inside the curbing that will separate the courthouse parking from the surrounding streets. The project also includes improvements along North Church Avenue, such as replacement of existing sidewalks, the addition of pedestrian crosswalks and landscaped bump-outs at the northern and southern ends of North Church Avenue, installation of ADA compliant handicap parking and curb ramps, installation of street lighting and trees and drainage improvements along the roadway.

“This project will help further enhance the overall character and appearance of downtown Camden and will make the area more accessible for all citizens,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased the state is able to help improve safety and access for the downtown Camden area.”

“The goal of the downtown improvements project is to ease congestion and help people navigate this busy downtown area,” said Senator Roy Herron. ”Most importantly this project will help improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians in downtown Camden.”

Representative Butch Borchert added, “Traffic flow around the downtown square has always been confusing for motorists. This project has a tremendous amount of local support so I’m pleased to see the state providing funds to help make downtown Camden even better.”

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.