Governor Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Carter County

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide Carter County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $225,920 for Phase II of the Roan Mountain Community Park improvement project. 

The funds will be used to build a pedestrian bridge over the Doe River to connect the upper and lower areas of the park.  The addition of the bridge will also enable the existing park trail to become part of the Overmountain Victory Trail.

“Thousands of people visit Roan Mountain each year and this bridge will add a safe, convenient way for them to view this beautiful area,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased that we are able to provide this enhancement grant to Carter County.”

“I’m pleased that Governor Bredesen and TDOT have dedicated these funds to construct a pedestrian bridge in Roan Mountain Community Park,” said Representative Kent Williams. ”Roan Mountain boasts the most beautiful views in the state and this bridge will help even more people enjoy our good nature.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“Through the Enhancement Grant Program, TDOT has helped fund approximately $189 million in transportation related projects such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.

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 bridge will add another 202 feet of trail to the park.

Senator Rusty Crowe also helped secure these grant funds for Carter County.

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