Cocke County commission forms task force to fast-track Smoky Mountain bike trail permitting and maintenance

The Cocke County Commission voted to suspend its normal rules and form a task force to work with the U.S. Forest Service, local partners and state agencies to move a proposed 11–12 mile first phase of a multi‑phase mountain‑bike trail toward construction.

Commissioner Brady, the Sixth District, told the commission he has been working with the Forest Service and outside biking organizations and asked the commission to appoint a small group that could meet within weeks to finalize permit materials and a maintenance plan. “The forest service just needs someone to stand behind it that says we're gonna take care of it,” Brady said during the discussion.

Why it matters: commissioners said the project could bring tourism and sales‑tax revenue to the Hartford area and the county. Brady said there's $5,500,000 remaining to construct the trails in three phases (phase one roughly 11–12 miles), and that the Forest Service requested a much shorter SF‑299 special‑use permit submission than the 467‑page document originally submitted. Commissioners agreed a focused committee could return a recommendation to the full commission within about 30–45 days.

Details and next steps: the commission directed staff to suspend the rules and form the task force immediately; a motion to suspend the rules and form the committee passed. The committee as described in the meeting will include the mayor and three commissioners (Commissioner Jonathan Templin, Commissioner Andy Ford and Commissioner Brady) and will meet one or two evenings as needed to prepare a recommendation to the full commission. Brady said the Forest Service preferred a narrowed application and that some property for parking and restroom facilities must be acquired off Forest Service land.

Partners and funding: Brady said he has discussed workforce training with Walter State and maintenance support with the Appalachian Mountain Biking Club and the Southern Off‑Road Bicycle Association; he also said a state response indicated standard state grant funds could not be set aside for long‑term maintenance but suggested the commission explore requiring maintenance guarantees in contractor agreements. He said the county has applied for a state “3‑star” grant and expects to use some state funds and industrial development board funds to reduce county cash outlays for related projects. He also reported meetings about wayfinding signage and beautification grants for Hartford and the Ratcliffe community.

Implementation risks and timeline: commissioners flagged three main hurdles the task force must address: U.S. Forest Service permitting (SF‑299), acquiring or leasing adjacent non‑Forest Service parcels for parking and facilities, and defining a maintenance funding and contractual guarantee. Brady asked the commission to authorize the task force to return with a recommendation next month; the commission voted to form the committee and instructed staff to coordinate meeting schedules.

Ending: the commission’s vote starts a short review and coordination period; the task force and staff will return to the full commission with recommended permitting documents, an acquisition/parking plan and maintenance approach before any construction contracts are let.