The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently awarded more than $46 million through three grant programs to communities statewide to support multimodal investments in walking, biking, and transit.
“Increasing safety, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing improved access to our cities and towns make our communities better places to live and work,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “I’m pleased the state can provide the support necessary to move these projects forward.”
Seven communities were awarded $15.2 million through the Transportation Alternatives Program. This federally funded program supports nontraditional transportation projects such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, and landscaping.
“Since 1991, through these grants, TDOT has funded $400 million in nontraditional transportation projects,” Deputy Governor & TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley said. “This program has assisted communities across Tennessee in their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight historic areas, provide alternative means of transportation, and increase opportunities for economic development.”
Twelve communities received $12.5 million in Multimodal Access Grant funding. The program supports infrastructure projects that address existing gaps along state routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
Ten transit agencies received $18.7 million in IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant funding. The program allows transit agencies to build new facilities and transit options.