RIVERWALK SUPPORT LETTERS

In the coming months, the Tennessee Department of Transportation will award over $12 million in Transportation Enhancement grants statewide.  Our requested grant from Hamilton County and The City of Chattanooga supports construction of the Riverwalk from I-24 to St. Elmo Avenue.  When completed, the Downtown Riverwalk segment will add three miles to the trail and extend it from Ross’s Landing by the Aquarium to the base of Lookout Mountain and the St. Elmo community.  The 12ft.-wide concrete trail will be lighted, landscaped and patrolled for safety.  We are requesting $2,304,000, which, with the local match of $576,000, will provide $2,880,000 for the project.  We must demonstrate local support to justify this large award.  Let’s show the State how much we love the Riverwalk.

Support letters should be mailed to the Governor:                                                         

Honorable Bill Haslam

Governor

State of Tennessee

1^st Floor, State Capitol

Nashville, Tennessee  37243

Subject:

Phase III of the Downtown Riverwalk

Content:

Brief letters of support should address one or more of the ways the project will benefit our community including -

1.      Providing a safe, off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists,

2.      Creating a new Southern gateway to our city on I-24,

3.      Revitalizing a blighted section of our riverfront,

4.      Addressing the recreational needs of underserved residents of the area,

5.      Providing additional employee access to industries along the route,

6.      Interpreting historic and scenic sights along the route,

7.      Promoting economic growth, (Volkswagen and Alstom cited the Riverwalk in deciding to invest here.)

8.      Increasing community pride,

9.      Serving as a catalyst for new development and investment,

10.  Restoring public access to a previously inaccessible section of our riverfront,

11.  Providing a resource that promotes fitness and exercise.

Please forward a copy of your letter to louisp@hamiltontn.gov or FAX to Louis Prosterman at 209-6811.  Mailing address – 317 Oak ST, 37403.  Letters are due by mid-March.  Should you need additional information, email or call me at 209-6821.