Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announced Friday that nearly $2.1 million in Tennessee Scenic Byways grants have been awarded for three projects across Tennessee. The grants are funded by the Federal Highway Administration as part of their National Scenic Byways Program.
“Tennessee’s Scenic Byways Program is an important resource in highlighting the beautiful and historical features of our state,” said Commissioner Schroer. “Not only do these awards advance and support local and regional scenic highway organizations, they stimulate ongoing economic development opportunities in our local communities.”
The Great River Road-Tennessee National Scenic Byway received just over $1.5 million to construct a new visitor’s center for the byway at Reelfoot Lake. This center will serve as a gateway and point-of-interest stop for multistate visitors traveling the byway.
A bicycle and pedestrian master plan project for the Tennessee River Trail Scenic Byway will receive $500,000. The project will address byway safety improvements and identify and prioritize future enhancement of the byway.
Nearly $20,000 was awarded to the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway for the installation of interpretive displays at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. These displays will serve to tell the story of the Cherokee Indian culture, logging history, and hummingbirds.
The Tennessee State Scenic Byways Program is designed to recognize and showcase outstanding cultural, historical, archeological, recreational, natural and scenic resources along Tennessee’s public highways. Program funding supports projects that help tell the story of Tennessee and its treasured people and places.
To learn more about Tennessee Scenic Byways, please visit http://www.tn.gov/tdot/Byways/ or contact Pam Monjar, Program Coordinator, at 615 741-6896.