Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide an enhancement grant in the amount of $541,752 for the addition of transportation history exhibits at Ramsey House Plantation in Knox County.

The grant funds will be used to construct indoor/outdoor exhibitory at the plantation highlighting the Ramsey family's pivotal role in the institution of rail and water transportation in the Knoxville area. The Ramsey family is credited with building Knoxville's first steamboat in 1831, operating one of the first ferries in the area and financing the first railroad through Knoxville. The new building is the first of several efforts planned by the Ramsey House Plantation to improve the interpretation of transportation history at the site.

"The Ramsey family's fascination with transportation helped Knoxville grow and prosper in the early days of the city," said Governor Bredesen. "I'm pleased the state is able to provide this grant to help tell the story of this important Knoxville family and their impact on the city and its transportation system."

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

"Transportation enhancement grants provide cities, counties and state organizations the opportunity to fund the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping, streetscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects," said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "The Ramsey family had an enormous impact on Knoxville's transportation system and this grant will help educate future generations about their important contributions."

TDOT has funded more than $200 million in transportation related projects through the Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990's to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation's transportation system.