Gov. Bill Haslam, fourth from left, joins local residents re-creating a famous ‘War Ends’ photograph in Jackson Square, but this time with an $800,000 state check for parking lots, sidewalks, benches, and bicycle racks.
A rejuvenation of the city’s original town center got a major boost Friday when Gov. Bill Haslam announced a $800,000 grant for parking lot and sidewalk construction in Jackson Square, as well as bicycle racks and benches.
“The Jackson Square project will further Oak Ridge’s efforts to enhance its historic downtown area and provide increased mobility and improved access to small businesses and cultural activities,” Haslam said.
The governor presented a $798,687 symbolic check to Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan during a Friday morning ceremony.
The grant, which requires a 20 percent city match, is for the first phase of what is officially called the Jackson Square Townsite Reconfiguration Project.
“We’re bringing the town center back .. and bringing it to the future in a different format,” Beehan said.
The project includes major changes to the parking lot on Broadway Avenue, a state press release said. It will transform parts of the square “into an attractive, landscaped plaza and parking area.”
Gov. Haslam presents a $798,687 grant check to Oak Ridge on Friday for work at Jackson Square, the city’s original commercial center. Also pictured from center are City Council member Jane Miller, Mayor Tom Beehan, and Manhattan Project photographer Ed Westcott.
Some sidewalks will be repaired, and new ones will be built. The project will also add trees and pedestrian lighting.
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Haslam said the enhancement grant awarded to Oak Ridge is one of 15 given across the state. The grants were competitive, with 10 applications for each one awarded.
The governor cited the historical significance of Jackson Square, the city’s original commercial center when Oak Ridge was built to enrich uranium for the Manhattan Project during World War II.
Local officials said new restaurants and businesses have moved into the square, and a new bank is under construction.
Robert Humphries says
Once again, “federal” money has to be used for Oak Ridge pet projects. This means someone in Kansas (for example) has to pay for Oak Ridge restoring its town. Federal monies should used for legitimate Federal Projects, and not serve as “money bags” for any municipality, county, or state that goes “lobbying” for assistance.
I’m sure my opinion won’t be popular with some Oak Ridgers, but I really believe all communities need to learn to take care of themselves and live within their means. This was not about “preserving history”, it was about getting more sales tax revenue.
John Westcott says
Somebody was going to be awarded the grant, we just had a better cheering section.
Haslam said the enhancement grant awarded to Oak Ridge is one of 15 given across the state. The grants were competitive, with 10 applications for each one awarded.
Angi Agle says
Kansas does these types of grants too; here’s a link to their DOT’s solicitation for applicants: https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.org%2FburTransPlan%2FTransEnhance%2FTEwebpgNEWRev.ppt