| Bethania's $150,000 TCSP grant is directed to perform a transportation study in order to protect the structural foundations of a historic Moravian community of 300 residents which rests in a National Historical Landmark District. The project will result in transportation improvements that are consistent with historic preservation objectives. The Town of Bethania was settled by the first Protestant sect, the Moravians, who trace their lineage to the former Czechoslovakia. The proximity of the Town of Bethania to nearby Winston-Salem and its surrounding transportation networks, combined with existing through traffic patterns and transportation proposals of adjacent jurisdictions, makes the historical assets of the town vulnerable to structural damage. Since the Town of Bethania sits entirely on a rock shell, the vibration of the large trucks and passenger cars crossing the town is literally pulling the 19th century buildings off their foundations. As a tiny community, Bethania does not have the budgetary resources to perform the type and scope of evaluative work and information dissemination necessary to protect its historical resources. By funding a comprehensive transportation study, the TCSP grant is enabling the town to address the negative impacts that may result from transportation decisions implemented outside its borders. TCSP funds also have a cachet that has allowed the town to leverage an additional $500,000 from the NC DOT for related project activities.
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