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

Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for the Town of New Market in Jefferson County

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $157,360 for the New Market Trail System project in Jefferson County.

The grant funds will be used to provide a series of pedestrian trails that will help residents reach locations in New Market without having to rely upon a motor vehicle. The town of New Market will construct 7,699 linear feet of new trail in this proposed project that will help the community create a downtown atmosphere that will attract visitors and residents in the future.

“I am pleased the state is able to support the addition of this trail in Jefferson County,” said Governor Bredesen. “The pedestrian oriented design will enhance the New Market community and give citizens and visitors the opportunity for bicycling and walking.”

“The addition of this trail will not only improve the aesthetic qualities of this area, it will also contribute significantly to the economic development of the town of New Market,” said Senator Mike Williams. “I’m glad I could help secure these funds for Jefferson County.”

Representative Dennis Roach added, “This trail will help encourage a more healthy lifestyle for our residents as well as making our town a more walkable community.”

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.