Jackson County, Alabama, is one of five communities accepted into the 2022 cohort of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program as part of the Tennessee RiverLine, North America’s next great regional trail system.
The five communities include these:
● Chattanooga, TN
● Jackson County, AL
● Meigs County, TN
● Perry County, TN
● Spring City, TN
On October 22, 2022, leaders from across Jackson County gathered for the announcement. Many expressed their excitement this announcement brings with the possibility of increased tourism in the area as people enjoy the outdoor resources found in Jackson County along the Tennessee River.
By partnering with the Tennessee RiverLine through the Tennessee RiverTowns Program, the communities will benefit from economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities, quality of life amenities, equitable access to river experiences that improve public health, and stewardship of natural resources. The program is a three-stage initiative that facilitates collaboration among enrolled communities and Tennessee RiverLine staff. In the third stage, communities will earn the official designation of a Tennessee RiverTown as part of the Tennessee RiverLine.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative to create continuous paddling, hiking, and biking experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. With support from its principal partners, Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Tennessee RiverLine engages river communities through various programs, events, and opportunities to achieve this vision, including the multi-year Tennessee RiverTowns program.
“The Tennessee RiverTowns Program so far has enrolled a total of 20 diverse river communities, home to more than 1 million people,” said Brad Collett, Tennessee RiverLine Partnership director and associate professor in UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture and College of Architecture and Design. “Last year, the inaugural cohort marked an important milestone of community buy-in for the Tennessee RiverLine, and this year, the 2022 cohort demonstrates sustained momentum, energy, and progress toward realizing North America’s next great regional trail system. Our newest members represent the diversity of our region and are publicly proclaiming their shared vision to celebrate and steward the Tennessee River for generations to come.”
