2012-0718
NIOTA DEPOT RESTORATION GRANT ANNOUNCED
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of
Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer
announced today the award of a $156,800 transportation
enhancement grant to the city of Niota for the Depot
Restoration Project.
The
Niota Depot, which was constructed in 1854, is the
oldest standing train depot in the state of Tennessee
and presently serves as the Niota City Hall. The Depot
Restoration Project will make urgent repairs to the
depot’s stone and brick foundation, and restore the
baggage room doors. The project will allow Niota to
promote this antebellum depot that played critical roles
in East Tennessee’s railroad history, the Civil War, and
late 19th and early 20th century
textile industries.
“Tennessee is rich with historic landmarks such as the
Niota Depot, and preserving them for future generations
to enjoy and appreciate is important,” Haslam said. “The
building’s restoration and adaptive reuse can create a
more vibrant and economically sustainable downtown and
will bring new visitors to the area each year. We are
proud to support these important improvements.”
“Through
Transportation Enhancement grants, TDOT has funded more
than $270 million in non-traditional transportation
projects,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This
program has assisted communities all over the state in
their efforts to revitalize downtowns, highlight
historic areas, provide alternative means of
transportation, and increase opportunities for economic
development.”
A
variety of activities such as the restoration of
historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails,
landscaping and other non-traditional transportation
projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal
program.
