Governor Haslam Announces Transportation Grant for City of Newport
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 | 05:29am
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer announced today the award of a $346,048 transportation enhancement grant to the city of Newport for Phase II of the Greenway Development Project.
Phase II of the Greenway Development Project includes the construction of more than 1500 linear feet of trail beginning where Phase I ended to a trailhead along the Pigeon River. The project also includes landscaping, bicycle racks, signage and other pedestrian amenities. The project is part of an overall plan to create a scenic river trail that is accessible to everyone and links several points of interest in Newport.
“It is wonderful to see communities across the state creating a network of greenways, trails and walkways for residents and visitors,” Haslam said. “When complete, this project will enhance this part of Newport while also promoting healthy living and pedestrian travel.”
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
“Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more than $259 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “Established by Congress in the early 1990’s, the program supports activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”
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 Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) represent Cocke County in the Tennessee General Assembly.
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