Lauderdale County representatives receive an Enhancement Grant for
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 for the Halls Downtown Improvements – Phase I.
Left to right, TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely, Sen. Mark Norris, Mayor Trent McMannis, and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

October 19, 2005

Nashville, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide the town of Halls with an enhancement grant in the amount of $160,736 to assist with the development of the Halls Downtown Improvements Project.

“This project will enhance the downtown Halls area, making it more enticing for visitors and improving economic development prospects,” said Bredesen. “I am pleased the state is able to help fund this project.”

“This project will contribute to downtown Halls’ character, identity and growth,” said Representative Craig Fitzhugh. “It is an important project to me and for many of the committed citizens of Halls. It will be a source of pride for us all.”

“This project will really make a difference for Halls,” added Senator Mark Norris. “Thousands of people will be able to use the improvements each year.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

“In the 1990s Congress set up a grant system of funding for activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “These grant funded activities include historic transportation facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and many other non-traditional transportation projects.”

The improvements will include upgraded pedestrian facilities, a streetscape beautification plan, and a variety of safety upgrades such as new street light fixtures.

The project will encompass five streets in downtown Halls including Front Street, Main Street, West Shannon Street, Fenton Street and Church Street.