This EDA investment supports road infrastructure improvements in gatlinburg, pigeon forge, sevierville and on U.S. 411 in sevier county, tennessee

The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration awarded a $5.27 million Project Grant under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program to the City of Sevierville, Tennessee on July 19, 2022.

The grant funding will support road infrastructure improvements and the installation of advanced smart signal technologies in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and along U.S. Route 411 in Sevier County. The region is a major tourism destination that hosts many annual special events attracting thousands of visitors. The signal technologies are intended to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Completing this project is expected to boost the local economy by spurring private investment and job growth in the area.

The region is a regional tourism destination location and hosts many special events and activities each year, including the internationally recognized wilderness wildlife week. For 31 years this free event open to the public has celebrated the great smoky mountains national park and the history of this region offering hundreds of free workshops, classes, hikes, environmental education programs, and performances attended by thousands of visitors each year. Installation of advanced smart signal technologies will provide near-term, cost-effective mobility and environmental benefits to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Once completed, the project will help boost the local economy in the region, which will help increase employment opportunities, spur private investment, and advance economic resiliency in the area.