NEWS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                            From Congressman Bill Jenkins

October 27, 2004                                                                                                                                       Contact:  Paul Mays (423) 247-8161 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Initial funding for improvements of U. S. Highway 25E has been announced by Congressman Bill Jenkins. 

      Jenkins said the U. S. Department of Transportation has approved the use of $120,000 for the development of a Corridor Management Plan for the U.S. 25E corridor from the Kentucky State Line at Cumberland Gap to the intersection of U. S. 25W and U.S. 70 in Newport.  The funding will go the Tennessee Department of Transportation. 

     The U.S. 25E byway committee will develop a plan to identify the intrinsic qualities of the corridor and how they can be developed, promoted and protected for the enjoyment of the traveling public and to increase tourist-related travel in the region, Jenkins said. 

      Jenkins explained that Corridor Management Plans are the central tool used by byway leaders to organize activities, investments and planning goals for the communities and partners supporting the byway.  He added that a portion of the route follows the historic Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail through Cumberland Gap. 

     Highway 25E is also part of the Dixie Highway , the first federal road to make a north-south connection in the U.S.

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