The Tennessee RiverLine has been awarded a $500,000 Area Development grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Tennessee’s Department of Economic and Community Development. This funding will power the development of a comprehensive set of Planning and Design Standards that will shape and support river experience amenities along the Tennessee River’s entire 652-mile stretch, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
Over the next 18 months, Tennessee RiverLine’s Planning and Design staff will work alongside a team of consulting professionals and local partners to create a first-of-its-kind technical resource for the region. This guide will set standards for building and enhancing river access areas, riverside parks, trails, campsites, and more. Additionally, it will provide best practices for shoreline stabilization, habitat preservation, and signage, ensuring that new developments are in harmony with industry standards, environmental policies, and the Tennessee RiverLine’s own commitment to stewardship and sustainability.
“This resource will accelerate investments in amenities that enhance the quality of life, grow the region’s outdoor economy and provide healthy lifestyle opportunities,” said Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “It also brings innovative thought leadership to rural and distressed communities that may not otherwise have access to such creative capacity, demonstrating our commitment to equitable river access and resource stewardship.”
By focusing on sustainable development and equitable river access, this project will help underserved communities overcome barriers to enjoying and benefiting from their local waterways. It aligns with the University of Tennessee’s mission to serve as a modern land-grant institution by addressing regional needs through research and collaboration, and it supports ARC’s vision for bolstering community capacity and economic growth throughout Appalachia.
“At ARC, we know that connecting our Appalachian communities through outdoor recreation opportunities boosts local tourism, supports the hospitality industry and accelerates business development for gear manufacturers and outdoor tour companies,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Having experienced the Tennessee RiverLine firsthand, I have no doubt that this project will not only attract visitors to the towns along the Tennessee River but will catalyze greater economic growth for the entire Appalachian region.”
This project is set to advance the Tennessee RiverLine’s goal of creating a continuous, inclusive, and sustainable river park that enhances the lives of those who call the Tennessee River Valley home.