Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for Savannah

Funding to provide new sidewalks and enhance historic district

SAVANNAH – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer today announced a $478,938 transportation enhancement grant for Savannah to replace sidewalks and make other improvements to a historic district.

The project is located on Williams, Deford, and Guinn Streets, an area that has been designated as a National Historic Register Historic District.

The Historic District Pedestrian Sidewalk Project will include the replacement of 4,000 linear feet of sidewalks, the addition of more than 3,000 linear feet of sidewalks, and pedestrian street lighting. New decorative curbs, retaining walls, and drainage systems will also be constructed.

“This project will provide a much needed system to link residents, business owners and visitors to Savannah’s historic downtown,” Haslam said. “Downtown is the heart of any community, and this project will increase safety, encourage more healthy and active lifestyles and enhance the character of this area.”

“Through transportation enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more than $270 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” Schroer said.  “This program has assisted communities all over the state in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by TDOT.

A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.

State Sen. Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) and state Rep. Vance Dennis (R-Savannah) represent Hardin County in the Tennessee General Assembly.