Cohen Announces $1.2 Million for Transportation Projects in Memphis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis and Shelby County have received two federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation worth a total of $1.2 million. The first grant -- worth $800,000 -- is for the purchase of two water taxis and to design and construct docking connections at points along Mud Island and in Wolf River Harbor. The second grant -- worth $400,000 -- will develop planning and preliminary design to reconstruct US 78.

“When Secretary Ray LaHood came to Memphis this spring I took him on a tour of the US 78 corridor and stressed the need for the Department of Transportation to invest in this critical roadway,” said Congressman Cohen. “This grant will go a long way in upgrading US 78 and help create and maintain thousands of jobs located along this road. Transportation is the economic engine of Memphis and these two federal grants will strengthen our transportation network.”

Congressman Cohen was pleased to receive these federal funds in light of his recommendation to the City that they apply for these projects. As a result of last year’s extension of the transportation bill, these federal funds became available for municipalities to apply for them through a competitive grant process. Congressman Cohen commends Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and their staffs for succeeding in this highly competitive grant process.