The Tennessee RiverLine planning and design standards, supported by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, will improve access to the river by guiding the development of inclusive and innovative recreational amenities throughout the region.

photo of Tennessee RiverLine

The Tennessee RiverLine, an initiative of the University of Tennessee Extension, received a $500,000 regional development grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to support the development of comprehensive planning and design standards. These standards will help accelerate the creation of new river amenities along the 652-mile stretch of the Tennessee River, benefiting residents and visitors throughout the region.

The 18-month project will be led by a team of professional consultants in collaboration with Tennessee RiverLine planning and design staff and network of partners.

It will provide a one-of-a-kind technical resource with planning and design recommendations that will inspire and empower riverine communities, landowners and public land managers, and their capital project partners, to develop watersheds. Access to the river, riverside parks, trails, campsites and more. . The resource will also cover shoreline stabilization, habitat improvement and signage. The standards will guide new investments in recreation infrastructure to align with industry best practices, relevant policies and Tennessee RiverLine guiding principles.

“This resource will accelerate investments in amenities that improve quality of life, grow the region’s outdoor economy and provide healthy lifestyle opportunities,” said Brad Collett, executive director of Tennessee RiverLine and professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. “It also brings thought and innovative leadership to rural and struggling communities who otherwise would not have access to such creative capacity, demonstrating our commitment to equitable river access and resource stewardship.” »

Officials said, “The project will help underserved populations by providing infrastructure design recommendations that overcome barriers to river access and support sustainable recreation development in rural areas. Additionally, the initiative aligns with UT’s mission as a modern land-grant institution, providing innovative solutions to regional challenges through collaboration and thought leadership. This mission aligns with ARC’s commitment to building community capacity and enhancing economic growth in Appalachia.

“At ARC, we know that connecting our Appalachian communities through outdoor recreation opportunities boosts local tourism, supports the hospitality industry, and accelerates business development for equipment manufacturers and outdoor tourism companies” , said Gayle Manchin, federal co-chair of the ARC. “Having experienced the Tennessee RiverLine firsthand, I am confident that this project will not only attract visitors to cities along the Tennessee River, but will catalyze greater economic growth for the entire region of Appalachia.

The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with lead partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and is a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences along the 652 miles of the Tennessee River. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture includes the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant research, teaching and extension mission, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and delivers. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond.

For more information on the Tennessee RiverLine, visit www.tennesseeriverline.org.