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County partnership seeks CLB support to secure USFS trail grant and long‑term maintenance plan
Summary
The Cobb County Partnership updated the CLB on a $6 million US Forest Service grant for the All‑Star/Smoky Mountain bike trail project, requested a county maintenance commitment resolution, and outlined procurement and maintenance plans including support from the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.
At the July 1 meeting the Cobb County Partnership asked the CLB to authorize the mayor’s office and county attorney to collaborate with the partnership on a resolution the U.S. Forest Service requires to confirm long‑term trail maintenance as part of a bike‑trail grant.
Partnership director Brady said the county received a major Forest Service grant and must provide a local maintenance commitment or land‑use agreement to proceed. “We will need that adopted sometime in August, so that we can get that into the US Forest Service,” Brady said. He said the partnership has procured a contractor to prepare a required business plan and that the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club of Knoxville has agreed to provide labor and maintenance support under contract if the county commits to upkeep and restroom/parking facilities.
What was proposed: Brady asked the CLB to allow the partnership and mayor’s office to draft a sample resolution committing the county to long‑term maintenance of a trailhead and supporting facilities. The partnership said the trailhead needs a restroom, gravel parking, gate and kiosk; the Forest Service requires a named, stable entity to guarantee maintenance.
Discussion vs. decision: CLB members did not vote on the resolution at the meeting; they agreed to let the mayor and county attorney work with the partnership on language and to return the formal resolution for adoption.
Ending: Partnership officials said that if the county adopts the maintenance resolution and the Forest Service approves, procurement and phased construction could begin in 2026, with trail maintenance funded by grant and contracted support.
