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 Metro Nashville

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $640,000 for Phase 1 of the Gateway to Heritage Streetscape Improvement project in Davidson County.

The grant funds will be used to create gateways to the Jefferson Street community. The improvements will include tree plantings, new seed and sod, and an irrigation system. It will also include directional signage for those exiting Interstate 40 at Jefferson Street and 28th Avenue.

“Jefferson Street is the main thoroughfare through this vibrant and diverse Nashville community,” said Governor Bredesen. “This project will create an inviting atmosphere of which residents, students, and business owners can all be proud.”

 “This project has the support of this community, many of whom will take an active role in maintaining it once it is complete,” said Senator Thelma Harper. ”I believe it will greatly benefit this part of North Nashville and the entire city.”

Representative Brenda Gilmore added, “This project is a fantastic way to revitalize this part of Nashville and create an inviting entrance for the thousands of people who travel through this stretch of Interstate 40 everyday.”

“These improvements are critical to enhancing the Jefferson Street Community,” said Representative Mary Pruitt. “It will also provide some much needed assistance to the three universities located in the area.”

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.

When all phases of the Gateway to Heritage plan are complete, the enhancements will run about one half mile along I-40, from 28th Avenue to the Jefferson Street exit ramp.  The Gateway Heritage plan will provide a surface transportation link by enhancing the aesthetic, cultural, and historic aspects of the travel experience.