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 Monterey in Putnam County

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $297,554 for the Monterey Tennessee Central Transportation Museum Project in Putnam County.

The grant funds will be used to construct a new transportation museum near the old Tennessee Central Depot in downtown Monterey. 

“The unfortunate demolition of the Monterey Tennessee Central Depot in the 1960s left the town without its original depot,” said Governor Bredesen. “The new museum will reproduce the approximate appearance and location of the original depot, emphasizing the town’s rich history.”

“The construction of a depot museum near the existing rail corridor and the planned Tennessee Central Heritage Trail for pedestrians and bicycles will enhance transportation opportunities for the citizens of Monterey,” said Representative Charles Curtiss.

“Projects such as this make Tennessee’s communities more livable,” Senator Charlotte Burks added. “I am pleased to have assisted in obtaining this grant for the town of Monterey.”

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 1990s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.