By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
The City of Grayson recently finished a project that began in 2018. The now complete project is a sidewalk that runs along Robert and Mary Avenue, improving foot traffic both for visitors and residents of the city. The sidewalk was designed by Bell Engineering of Lexington and was funded by a federal Tap Grant. The grant funds covered eighty percent of the project, which cost approximately $250,000. Construction began in the spring of 2024 by Jefferson Construction of Brooksville and was completed earlier this month.
Mayor Troy Combs presided over a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the new sidewalk, but the mayor and the city used the event to honor the mayor who was leading Grayson when the project began. Former mayor George Steele (2006-2022) was kept in the dark about the nature of the event, never suspecting that he was being honored. Instead, the former mayor was told that he was needed for a wedding taking place on July 15 on the corner of East Main Street and Robert & Mary Ave. Steele was more flattered than offended by the subterfuge, but in typical fashion insisted upon giving everyone else the credit.
“Some might say that it is just a sidewalk, so what’s the big deal?” Combs began the ceremony. “But we all know it’s more than concrete and curb,” he added. “It’s connection. It connects neighborhoods, it connects people to schools and parks, to local businesses, and most importantly, to each other.”
“A sidewalk is a symbol of movement, of safety, and of accessibility,” Combs told the crowd of Grayson residents. “And it is a symbol of our commitment to building a community where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can walk confidently and freely. It’s a small piece of infrastructure. But it carries big values. Inclusion, sustainability, and progress.”
“People often ask why we can’t have more in our community,” Combs continued. “And while there is nothing wrong with wanting more for our community, I think it’s important to appreciate that which we have and that which we receive.”
Part of that appreciation, Combs said, was to remember and honor those who are responsible for helping us have what we do.
“This sidewalk improvement did not happen overnight,” Combs said. “It took vision. And it took the hard work of people who planned it, of engineers and construction crews, city council members, and of course mayors.”
The mayor of Grayson then proceeded to thank all those responsible, beginning with Roger and Joanne Dunfee for applying for and securing the Tap Grant that made the project possible. Next, the mayor thanked Bell Engineering for designing and facilitating the project, then Jefferson Contracting for putting in the work to make the project a reality, and Brian Gillum for technical support and oversight.
“Mayor Steele,” Combs addressed the former mayor of Grayson and honoree, “It was under your administration that this project was first conceived. Without your vision, and the support of past and current councils, we would not be here today. It was your dedication that made this possible. And for this reason, on behalf of the City of Grayson, we would like to present you with this certificate dedicating this stretch of sidewalk along Robert and Mary in your name.”
The former mayor then addressed those assembled for the dedication.
“I was mayor of the City of Grayson for 16 years,” Steele told the crowd. “And it was one of the most fun times of my life. It was fun because I had the support of the best council you could ever want. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. And there is no way I could have accomplished anything without the help of those wonderful people.”
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
