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TWRA seeks approval to buy 62 acres in Lauderdale County for new boat ramp access
Summary
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency requested approval to acquire about 62 acres on Highway 51 in Covington to build a new boat ramp and improved parking; the agency expects eventual sale to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while retaining an easement for public access.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency asked the State Building Commission executive subcommittee to approve the fee‑simple purchase of roughly 62 acres on Highway 51 in Covington, Lauderdale County, to replace a deteriorated public boat ramp and expand parking for safer access.
"I'm here on behalf of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to request approval for the acquisition of approximately 62 acres in Lauderdale County," Director Maxedon said, adding the tract is owned by Beverly Coats, Linda Durham and Jane Embry and is on the state's wetland priority list. He said the agency intends to buy the land at fair market value using the 2025–26 wetlands acquisition fund and cited TCA 11‑14‑402 as authority for the action.
Director Maxedon told the committee the property purchase—estimated at about $200,000—would allow TWRA to construct a safer, more functional ramp and an improved parking area adjacent to the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. He said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated strong interest in ultimately adding the parcel to the refuge; after federal approvals TWRA would sell the property to the federal agency but retain an easement to preserve long‑term public ramp and parking access.
A committee member asked whether the sale to the Fish and Wildlife Service was under a binding contract; Maxedon said there is no contract at present and the transfer remains contingent on the federal agency completing due diligence and approvals. The member also raised broader budget concerns about using wetlands acquisition funds for land that supports access and parking rather than for staff or operating expenses. Maxedon replied the wetlands fund has a $6 million floor set by the chair and that construction work could instead use boating funds, which the agency described as better funded.
The subcommittee moved, seconded and approved the acquisition request by voice vote. The committee also asked TWRA to present future capital requests earlier to improve planning and transparency.
