NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee has spent $46,000 for the design of a new logo featuring the white letters TN on colors patterned on the state flag.

WSMV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1EYRbHE) that the state hired advertising and marketing company GS&F to design the new logo.

A spokesman for Gov. Bill Haslam said the new logo is needed to give the state a more unified look on signs and letterhead.

The governor's office said the new logo will be gradually introduced as current stationary runs out.

The new state branding follows a decision by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to replace a green-themed symbol introduced by Haslam's Democratic predecessor Phil Bredesen. The department in 2011 introduced a new logo featuring the TDOT acronym on a red field the shape of the state.