Bigbee River Trail expansion grant received
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation today announced $18,490,470 in grants from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund and $1,760,000 from the Recreational Trails Program for parks and recreation for 19 communities across Tennessee.
Among the recipients is the city of McMinnville. It will receive $100,000 to enhance and expand the Bigbee River Trail.
“We are thrilled to share that the City of McMinnville has been awarded a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant from TDEC. This funding will allow us to enhance and expand the Bigbee River Trail, building on the wonderful 1.07-mile path created by community volunteers along the Barren Fork River,” a statement posted on the city’s Facebook page.
Work to be completed:
· A 1.07-mile shared-use trail: A machine-graded, natural-surface trail built for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
· A 90-foot boardwalk: Converting the current bridge into an upgraded 90-foot boardwalk.
· Clear wayfinding and signage: Standardized maps and trail markers along the entire route.
· New trailhead parking: Improved, designated parking areas at Rocket Park, Salley’s Alley, and Hobbs Park.
· ADA accessible overlook route: Designated accessible parking and a connector trail leading directly to the overlook platform.
· Youth mountain bike skills area: A 3,600-square-foot area at Hobbs Park with 10 skill components.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation partnered with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) on several projects to make the funding accessible for local communities by providing a portion of the match through the Grant Opportunity Fund (GO Fund).
Awarded in this round was $6.8 million in matching dollars to distressed and at-risk rural communities.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded, state administered grant program that provides grant funding for land acquisition for trails, non-routine trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation and for trail head support facilities. The funds are distributed in the form of an 80 percent grant with a 20 percent match based on the total project amount.
“These grants are a smart investment in Tennessee’s communities, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the natural resources that make our state special,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “By partnering with the Department of Economic and Community Development, we can better assist our rural communities and help them create outdoor spaces that will make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”
Among the other 18 grants awarded was: the city of Bolivar received $3.5 million for a new indoor pool, the city of Newport received $3.5 million for a Newport Woodland phase one and White Oak Redevelopment, city of Savannah received $2.7 million for construction of a sports complex, and Unicoi County received $2.2 million for a Lower Nolichucky River Takeout project. The remaining grants ranged from $92,000 to $1.5 million.