Hamilton County approves $2 million ARC grant application for Daisy Veil‑to‑Trails project; commissioners press for maintenance plan

The Hamilton County Commission approved a staff request to apply for up to $2,000,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding for the Daisy Veil‑to‑Trails project and authorized grant‑funded program evaluation services tied to the effort.

Commissioners emphasized the need to clarify who will operate and maintain the trail once built. Commissioner Shipley said the proposal is in early stages and that the county is “on the beginning stage here.” He said the county is pursuing grants and expects most construction money to be grant‑funded, adding TVA is “a big stakeholder” in the project. “We’re grabbing for every dime we can get,” he said.

Commissioner Graham thanked staff for bringing the grant application and a proposed plan for matching funds to the commission before submitting the application. He said the county asked departments previously to notify commissioners before applying for grants so the commission is not blindsided. “You all are doing exactly that,” he said.

County staff described the project as phased and said the city that controls some of the land would likely assume day‑to‑day maintenance after completion. A county parks staffer said the county is creating an operating plan to ensure the receiving agency has capacity to manage the facility. A staff speaker said the project is “sort of still conceptual” while staff try to “line up the dollars” and coordinate with the City of Soddy‑Daisy on ownership and operations.

Commissioner Shipley and others said the grant application is intended to be paired with other grants as match; he said the $2,000,000 request could be combined with two other awards to reach $4,000,000 without county general fund dollars. Commissioner Shipley thanked staff for preparing the applications and funding plan.

Commissioner Highlander described the project as likely to benefit the entire county and surrounding areas and said previous riverfront investments generated substantial economic impact. Graham and others asked staff to provide any past economic studies if they exist. Staff indicated earlier studies exist but that the project approach now is to assemble the funding and then finalize operating details.

The commission voted to approve two related items bundled on the agenda: a contract for grant‑funded program evaluation services and the application to the ARC for up to $2,000,000 toward the Daisy Veil‑to‑Trails project. Commissioner Eversol moved the bundled approval; Commissioner Beck seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as approving the resolutions.

Why it matters: Commissioners approved pursuing significant external funding for a multi‑phase parks and trails project in the county’s north end but sought clearer commitments on who will maintain the facility and how ongoing operations will be funded, issues the county said staff will continue to address in coordination with the city and other stakeholders.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with the ARC application and program evaluation contract if awarded the grant(s). Commissioners asked staff to return with more detailed operating and maintenance plans and any economic‑impact studies related to the project.