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$6 million federal grant moves Halestop Mountain trail plans forward; county weighs maintenance commitment
Summary
Cocke County Partnership reported a $6 million federal grant for 50–75 miles of mountain-bike trails in phases; county staff must submit a Forest Service SF-299 permit, a maintenance plan and memorandum of understanding, and commissioners discussed how to limit long-term county liability.
County economic-development officials told commissioners the Halestop Mountain trail project has federal funds committed but that the county must still meet permitting and maintenance conditions before construction begins.
Michael Brady, representing the Cocke County Partnership, said the project has an approximately $6 million ARRC grant allocated from then-Senator Lamar Alexander for construction of 50–75 miles of mountain-bike trails, with the first phase planned at about 11 miles and money set aside for parking and restroom facilities. Brady said procurement letters have been sent to adjacent property owners to acquire or lease the small parcels needed for trail access and facilities.
"We have funds available to purchase or lease an acre from each one of these individuals, and it sounds to me like both of them are gonna kinda work together to have a win-win situation," Brady said.
Brady outlined required next steps to the U.S. Forest Service: an SF-299 special-use permit, a memorandum of understanding, a maintenance plan and a business plan. The Forest Service has requested that the county stand behind maintenance; Brady asked the commission to consider a resolution showing support while avoiding an unconditional financial guarantee.
Brady said trail-maintenance partners — including the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA) and a Knoxville-based Appalachian mountain-biking organization — have offered to help. "They said, look. We'll do it for you. You don't have to buy any trucks. We'll just bring our own equipment. We just have to cover our gas and our time. We also will involve volunteers," Brady said, cautioning that cost estimates remain preliminary.
Brady also described a task force and a public listening session where residents raised ancillary concerns such as road impacts and trash on holiday weekends; he said the county will provide a five-year maintenance estimate and explore state funding options to reduce county burden.
Commissioners asked staff to produce a business plan and maintenance-cost estimate and to return with a recommended memorandum of understanding that clarifies the county's commitments and the role of volunteer organizations and contractors. No construction contract or land purchase was approved at the meeting.
