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

Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Ripley and Lauderdale County

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $851,204 for phase three of the Ripley and Lauderdale County Streetscape project.

The grant funds will be used to continue to enhance the overall aesthetics of the Ripley/Lauderdale County Courthouse area including sidewalk, crosswalk, lighting and drainage improvements to Main, Jefferson, Jackson and Washington Streets.

“The Lauderdale County Courthouse Square area is the focal point of downtown Ripley,” said Governor Bredesen.  “Phase three of the Ripley and Lauderdale County Streetscape project will help create a safer environment in the square for both motorists and pedestrians and will make the area more accessible to citizens and visitors.“

“A revitalized downtown is an integral part of the redevelopment of Ripley,” said Representative Criag Fitzhugh. “This project will help create a downtown atmosphere that will spur economic growth and will complement the existing tourist attractions in our 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.

Phase three of the project includes: improved drainage; new sidewalks or replacement of existing sidewalks; installation of ornamental concrete pedestrian crosswalks; new street lighting fixtures; landscaping and streetscaping.