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 McKenzie in Carroll Co.

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $384,776 for the J.L. Seets Pedestrian Pathway project in the city of McKenzie.

The grant funds will be used to install or replace 3,350 feet of sidewalk along Walnut Street, Booker Street, and McDonald Avenue.  The funds will also allow the city to make the pedestrian walkway accessible to persons with disabilities and will improve drainage along Booker Street.

“I’m pleased to provide the city of McKenzie with funds to help reconnect their city,” said Governor Bredesen. “The current sidewalks in this area are more than 30 years old and in desperate need of repair.  This project will help reconnect neighborhoods with the Central Business District, providing a viable route to employment and recreational centers.”

“This project will help provide much needed sidewalks to a predominantly low income area,” said Senator Lowe Finney. ”This new path to our Central Business District will open up new opportunities to residents by providing access to downtown employment centers.”

Representative Mark Maddox added, “McKenzie is committed to improving pedestrian safety and accessibility for its citizens.  This project will expand the network of pedestrian friendly residential streets in many McKenzie neighborhoods.”

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.