Knoxville’s Bid for RAISE Grant to Build Pedestrian Bridge

News Summary

Knoxville is reapplying for the RAISE Grant to fund a pedestrian bridge connecting the South Waterfront to the University of Tennessee. The city hopes to secure $25 million from the grant amidst pressing transportation challenges, including the closure of the Gay Street Bridge. This project, over 20 years in the making, promises to enhance equitable access and transportation options in the area. City officials are optimistic as they await the decision on January 13, which could pave the way for the long-awaited construction.

Knoxville Gains Hope with RAISE Grant Opportunity for Pedestrian Bridge

Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as the city’s long-cherished dream of connecting the South Waterfront to the University of Tennessee could finally become a reality. Thanks to a recent twist of fate, the Biden administration has reopened applications for the RAISE Grant, offering Knoxville a last-minute chance to secure the funding needed for a pedestrian bridge project estimated to cost around $60 million.

Applications Signaling Hope

The application window for the much-coveted RAISE Grant began on November 1, giving Knoxville a fresh opportunity to reapply. Past endeavors attempting to snatch this grant included two applications, which were unfortunately met with rejection. However, it seems the stars may align this time. The city’s latest application was deemed high-scoring, allowing them to resubmit for consideration without making any changes. This offers a glimmer of hope for city officials who are eager to move things forward.

A Wait Until January

Knoxville is on edge as they await news regarding their application status. The city is expected to discover whether it will receive the requested $25 million grant on January 13. Without this funding, the delay could push the project’s timeline back until 2025, a setback that no one in Knoxville wants to face.

Transportation Trouble in South Knoxville

Adding urgency to this situation is the closure of the Gay Street Bridge, a vital route over the Tennessee River that has been out of commission since June 25. With this critical crossing unavailable, residents in South Knoxville are grappling with increased transportation challenges. Alternatives to reach South Knoxville are currently limited, forcing people to traverse busy highways and crowds of vehicles that exceed 32,500 a day.

Past Applications and Future Prospects

Reflecting on previous attempts, Knoxville initially submitted a federal RAISE Grant application that met its demise in June 2023, followed by a second denial exactly a year later. In their latter attempt, local officials presented a redesigned, more affordable version of the bridge to catch federal attention, but that still wasn’t enough. With the recent RAISE Grant re-opening, officials are hoping history will finally be on their side.

Funding Breakdown

In addition to hoping for the federal grant, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has already pledged $20 million towards the project. Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation is also in the works to source an additional $15 million through tax increment financing. This funding strategy aims to alleviate the financial weight on Knoxville taxpayers while facilitating construction of the bridge.

The Bridge’s Potential Impact

Described as more than just a physical structure, the proposed pedestrian bridge holds the promise of enhancing equitable access and providing affordable transportation options in South Knoxville. It would unite the area near Clancy Avenue with the UT campus adjacent to the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, opening up brand new avenues for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

A Vision 20 Years in the Making

This dream bridge has been under discussion for over two decades and finally saw land allocated for its construction as recently as October 2023. City officials believe that this bridge will not only improve transportation options but also attract investment, subsequently generating property tax revenue from enhanced developments in the surrounding area.

A Community’s Wish

As residents of Knoxville look ahead, there’s a shared hope that this beloved infrastructure project will finally break ground. This pedestrian bridge stands as a testament to the community’s needs and aspirations—a link to a brighter, more accessible future for everyone in Knoxville.

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Additional Resources

• WBIR: Knoxville’s RAISE Grant Application
• Knox News: Knoxville Seeks Funds for Pedestrian Bridge
• WATE: Knoxville Denied Federal Grant Again
• Tennessean: Jon Bon Jovi’s Heroic Act on Nashville Bridge
• CBS News: Jon Bon Jovi Saves Woman from Nashville Bridge
• Wikipedia: Pedestrian Bridge
• Google Search: Knoxville pedestrian bridge grant
• Google Scholar: Knoxville pedestrian bridge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian bridge
• Google News: Knoxville pedestrian bridge