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Carter County accepts $6.3 million Tweetsie Trail grant, commissioners debate maintenance costs
Summary
The commission voted 19–3 to accept a $6.3 million state grant for the Tweetsie Trail master plan and development; some commissioners objected to future maintenance costs and revenue assumptions.
The Carter County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a $6.3 million grant from the State of Tennessee to develop and expand the Tweetsie Trail, approving a master plan and committing to phased development.
Commissioner Brad Johnson, who moved the measure, said the county would deposit the grant funds in certificates of deposit and use the interest to underwrite a master plan, and that construction could be phased. The motion, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Frazier, passed by a roll call of 19 yes and 3 no (Avery Wynn, Danny Deal and Gary Kemp).
Opponents raised concerns about long-term maintenance and policing costs. Commissioner Danny Deal told colleagues he had obtained maintenance-cost estimates from the city and warned that equipment and labor costs would ultimately fall to taxpayers. Commissioner Aaron Frazier said he had consulted the sheriff and discussed plans for policing the trail.
Commissioners noted the county already owns the property for portions of the trail, but Mayor Woodby reminded the board that ownership carries an ongoing maintenance obligation. Supporters said phased implementation and interest income could mitigate near-term costs.
The board did not adopt a separate, detailed maintenance-funding plan at the meeting; commissioners asked staff and partners to provide further detail in future committee meetings.
