August 20, 2008
Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093
Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Mountain City in Johnson Co.
Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $419,120 for Phase I of the Goose Creek Trail project in Johnson County.
The grant funds will be used to connect numerous key locations throughout the town, including schools, recreational facilities and a visitor center. The proposed Goose Creek Trail will run throughout the town of Mountain City, providing an alternative mode of transportation for residents and visitors. The Goose Creek Trail is divided into two phases. Phase I spans 4,500 feet.
“This project will serve a number of important purposes for the town of Mountain City, beautifying the trail, educating the community and serving as an attraction to the city,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m proud the State of Tennessee can make investments like this to enhance local communities for the benefit of both citizens and visitors.”
“This project will create a more walkable community in Mountain City which will provide benefits for many people for years to come,” said Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. “I’m pleased to support this grant project.”
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.
The Goose Creek Trail project not only includes beautification through landscaping, but it also includes provisions for an educational experience through select landscaping. The focus will be on plants with medicinal uses, particularly plants native to the region.