TDOT, UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS PARTNER TO SUPPORT RIVER COMMUNITIES

Memphis – The Tennessee Division of Transportation (TDOT) and the College of Memphis (UofM) have partnered to determine the “Tennessee Delta Alliance,” a brand new group supporting the communities of Lake, Dyer, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Shelby Counties. The group will likely be housed within the college’s Middle for Regional Financial Enrichment and can comprise a Director and an Advisory Council of residents from the 5 counties.

“This partnership is TDOT’s newest funding in West Tennessee and one which can profit generations to come back,” says TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “We’re proud to help financial and tourism growth alongside the Nice River Highway whereas serving to preserve Tennessee lovely.”

The Tennessee Delta Aliance will function a dual-purposed group. Its mission is to handle the roadway and enhance the hall of the Nice River Highway Nationwide Scenic Byway, and to determine a water-based Hold America Stunning affiliate for the communities adjoining to the hall. The group will beautify, promote, and improve the world alongside the Nice River Highway.

The Nice River Highway is a Nationwide Scenic Byway that runs each side of the Mississippi River by way of ten states. In 2021, Tennessee’s portion of the route earned the distinguished “All-American Highway” designation from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for its historic and cultural intrinsic qualities. The Nice River Highway is one in every of three Nationwide Scenic Byways in Tennessee to be designated as an All-American Highway, and one in every of 35 to earn the uncommon designation nationally.

“This collaboration, in addition to including a brand new Hold America Stunning affiliate, will present for a greater customer expertise and additional join these communities to the river,” mentioned Hold Tennessee Stunning Government Director Missy Marshall.  

The Nice River Highway dates to the Fifties. In 1958, the Tennessee Normal Meeting requested the U.S. Division of Commerce for a research that helped to create the Nationwide Scenic Byway. In 1965, Governor Clement’s Government Order 23 established a fee to supervise the Nice River Highway. The subsequent plan of action contains hiring a everlasting director and appointing Advisory Council members from the 5 counties. A nationwide assembly of the 10-State Mississippi River Parkway Fee (MRPC) will likely be held in Memphis, on September 7-9^th. Extra data may be discovered at Scenic Roadways (tn.gov).