The City of Knoxville has been awarded a $24.7 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding is intended to advance the South Knoxville Pedestrian Bridge project, which has been in planning for over 15 years as part of the South Waterfront Vision Plan.
Mayor Indya Kincannon expressed enthusiasm about securing this round of funding, highlighting that the federal grant, along with $20 million from the state, will propel the project to its next phase. She thanked key partners for their commitment to the project, noting its potential to enhance safety and connectivity in the community.
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The bridge will improve access to several key locations, including existing greenway systems, Suttree Landing Park, the Urban Wilderness, the University of Tennessee campus, Cumberland Avenue, the Fort Sanders neighborhood, and the future UT Athletics Entertainment District.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman described the grant as a significant advancement for the South Waterfront pedestrian bridge project, emphasizing its importance in connecting the university campus, downtown, and South Knoxville. Plowman expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with the city to bring the project to fruition.
The University of Tennessee and Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. (KCDC) have secured land on the river’s south side for housing and mixed-use projects. The bridge is planned to span from Clancy Avenue on the south to the pedestrian concourse on the north, between Thompson-Boling Arena and Pratt Pavilion.
Mayor Kincannon also acknowledged support from state officials, including Governor Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Commissioner of Transportation Butch Eley, Lt. Governor Randy McNally, and the Tennessee General Assembly, particularly the Knox County delegation. A celebration with local, state, and federal partners is anticipated later this year.
For more information, visit the [Knoxville Pedestrian Bridge project page](http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/pedestrianbridge).
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Tennessee’s 2024 Achievements Highlight Economic and Social Progress
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