Haslam Announces TDEC, TDOT Grants for Blount County

 
Grants to fund John Sevier Pool Renovation and Alcoa’s Pedestrian Extension Project
 
ALCOA –Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced two grants totaling nearly $1 million to renovate the John Sevier Pool in Maryville and improve the pedestrian experience in Alcoa.
 
“Building new trails and sidewalks and improving a community pool helps promote recreational and healthy ways for residents and visitors to get out and enjoy their neighborhoods, and they’re important to making Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Haslam said.
 
The $250,000 grant for the John Sevier Pool Renovation project includes replacing the roof on the 44-year-old facility, adding a handicap accessible ramp to the pool and updating the lifeguard quarters. The grant comes from the Local Park and Recreation Fund (LPRF) of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and was awarded to a unique, one-of-a-kind joint venture in the state between Blount County and Maryville. This TDEC grant is also met with a matching contribution by the city of Maryville.
 
“From land acquisitions for new municipal parks, to renovating and improving existing facilities, LPRF grants help expand recreational opportunities for Tennessee citizens,” TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said. “These types of investments are so important for communities across the state, and we are thrilled to partner with the City of Maryville.”
 
Alcoa received a $721,212 transportation alternative grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for its Pedestrian Extension Project. The project will construct 1.6 miles of trail and 10 sidewalk sections that will parallel N. Wright Road, Cusick Road, and Airport Plaza Boulevard. The project will include new striping, crosswalks, pavement markings, and pedestrian signals at appropriate road crossings. The transportation alternative grant is made possible through a federally funded program formerly known as transportation enhancement and is administered by TDOT.
 
“Through these grants, TDOT has funded more than $306 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” TDOT Commissioner John 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.”
 
State Sen. Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), Rep. Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville), and Rep. Art Swann (R-Maryville) represent Blount County in the Tennessee General Assembly.