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Anderson County Commissioners approve Rails‑to‑Trails resolution backing New River corridor
Summary
After hours of public comment from New River residents and presentations by trail advocates, the Anderson County Board of Commissioners approved an amended Rails‑to‑Trails resolution expressing local support for the 42‑mile railbanked corridor and committing to coordination with partners and consideration of New River community needs.
The Anderson County Board of Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 26‑01‑1256‑A on May 18, 2026, a nonbinding statement of support for converting a federally railbanked 42‑mile corridor into a regional recreational trail.
Advocates and residents from the New River community filled the commission chamber and urged approval, citing economic and safety benefits. Nancy Manning, executive director of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, said, “The resolution before you tonight does not obligate Anderson County financially” and explained that visible local support is often required for private donors and grantors to commit funds. Local resident Loretta Webber described the potential for small‑business growth, saying she hoped the trail would “leave a legacy for my grandkids” and provide safe places for children to bike and walk.
John McCraken, board president of Echoes of the Rail Foundation — the local group intended to assume long‑term stewardship — told the commission his organization plans to stabilize the corridor and “have representation on this into the future.” Commissioners added language to the resolution acknowledging that New River may need infrastructure improvements such as water service and emergency response access, and expressing intent to coordinate with agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Trust for Public Land.
Supporters emphasized local representation in planning and fundraising; several commissioners and community members, including Commissioner Beauchamp and Commissioner McNabb, voiced personal support after hearing from residents who said the corridor could stimulate jobs and services similar to the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Opponents and some residents raised concerns about representation and what proponents described as a "handshake" relationship rather than a contract for specific county obligations. Commissioners said the resolution is intentionally non‑financial and designed to show local endorsement that can unlock private and grant funding.
The commission adopted the revised resolution by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally. The resolution and accompanying language will be used by local partner organizations as they pursue title work, environmental assessments, and fundraising to support trail conversion and related infrastructure in the New River area.
