Grant Will Pay For Pedestrian/Bike Path To Moccasin Bend

$1,080,148 Grant Will Pay For Pedestrian/Bike Path To Moccasin Bend

State officials on Wednesday announced the award of a $1,080,148 transportation enhancement grant to the city of Chattanooga for Phase One of the Manufacturers Road/Hamm Road Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities.



Greenway grants were also announced for South Pittsburg, Dunlap and Tracy City.



The Chattanooga project will install 5,130 linear feet of 12-foot pedestrian sidewalk and multi-modal bike path running east and west on the south side of Manufacturers Road/Hamm Road beginning at the U.S. Hwy. 27 interchange and future TDOT widening project. It will go west to Hamm Road at the Moccasin Bend National Park and Visitor's Center.


The work will also include new bike parking and streetscape improvements such as pedestrian lighting, landscaping and bus shelters.



“Projects like this allow citizens to have healthy transportation options, like biking or walking, that improve the quality of life in a community,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “I am pleased the state is helping with this important transportation link.”



“This project will allow connectivity with the Moccasin Bend National Park and future Visitor's Center,” added Senator Andy Berke. “I thank Governor Bredesen and TDOT for providing these funds.”



“The inclusion of bus shelters with this project will encourage more people to consider mass transit, thereby reducing congestion on our roadways,” said Rep. JoAnne Favors. “I am very pleased to have helped secure funding for this important project.”



Also announced was the award of a $72,000 transportation enhancement grant to the city of South Pittsburg for the South Pittsburg Riverwalk Project.



The project will construct a 1,500-foot trail along the Tennessee River, beginning just off Third Street and running parallel to the Tennessee River. The project will end at the trailhead of the South Pittsburg to Kimball Proposed Greenway site near the railroad. This South Pittsburg Riverwalk Project also is a part of the Marion County Greenways System and will allow the city to connect to the neighboring community of Kimball.



“This project will add to the existing greenway system in Marion County, which when completed will allow connectivity between the communities in the area,” said Governor Bredesen. “Projects such as this allow citizens to have healthy transportation options, like biking or walking, that improve the quality of life in a community.”



“This project will improve the aesthetic appearance for South Pittsburg's National Cornbread Festival, which brings in thousands of visitors each April,” said Rep. Bill Harmon. “I am very pleased to have helped secure the funds for this important project.”



Senator Berke added, “This project will provide a walkway for the citizens of South Pittsburg to use for both recreational and transportation purposes, which will reduce the amount of traffic and automobile emissions in the city.”



Officials announced the award of a $105,833 transportation enhancement grant to the city of Dunlap for the Coops Creek Greenway Project.



The project will construct 1,100 linear feet of 8-feet-wide multi-use greenway along Coops Creek, connecting the south end commercial district at the Coops Creek Bridge with businesses and the Sequatchie County Courthouse at the center of downtown Dunlap on Cherry Street. The pedestrian enhancement project will serve as an additional phase of Dunlap's downtown revitalization efforts and will connect with Phase One of the city’s streetscape project.



“This project continues Dunlap’s efforts to provide citizens and visitors a chance to walk in a safer and more accessible environment,” said Governor Bredesen. “It is a project that both Sequatchie County residents and visitors can enjoy. I’m proud the state can make investments like this to enhance local communities.”



“This project will continue to enhance downtown Dunlap's pedestrian amenities and should help stimulate more economic growth,” said Rep. Harmon. “I am pleased that the state is helping improve this transportation link.”



“This project will provide a walkway for the citizens of Dunlap to use for both recreational and transportation purposes,” said Senator Eric Stewart. “I thank Governor Bredesen and TDOT for providing funds to improve the quality of life for residents of Sequatchie County.”



Also announced was the award of a $521,883 transportation enhancement grant to the town of Tracy City for Phase Four of the Pedestrian Traffic Enhancement Project.



The project phase will include the construction of approximately 900 linear feet of sidewalks, installation of street lights, construction of decorative stamped brick crosswalks, curbing, and landscaping along Railroad Avenue and Altamont Street (U.S. Highway 41) to 10th Street. The project will provide a safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists and improve safety at this busy intersection. The improvements will also aid in business district development and heritage tourism efforts.



“Railroad Avenue originally featured a section of the L&N Railroad line, passenger and freight depot, and many businesses,” said Governor Bredesen. “This project presents an important opportunity to revitalize a historic area while providing alternate transportation for residents and visitors alike, and I’m pleased the state is helping improve this important link to our past for future generations.”



“Revitalizing the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Altamont Street with new pedestrian facilities is a top priority for Tracy City,” said Rep. Harmon. “I am very happy to have been able to help secure funding for this important project.”



Senator Stewart added, “Revitalizing a downtown area can have a major positive economic impact on a town. I’m pleased Governor Bredesen and TDOT are making this investment in Tracy City’s historic downtown area.”



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

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Through Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded approximately $223 million in non-traditional transportation projects,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Established by Congress in the early 1990s, 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.