Buffalo River Blueway Project Recognized as a County Success Story at Statewide TCSA Banquet

Earlier this month, the Tennessee County Services Association held its annual Fall Conference and Trade Show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN. Among the many meetings and events that took place was the organization's annual Awards Banquet and Dinner. During the banquet, Lewis County's "Buffalo River Blueway Project" was selected as one of just seven "County Success Stories" across the entire state to receive an award, along with projects from Anderson, Cumberland, Fentress, Loudon, Williamson and Wilson counties. During the awards presentation, TCSA Executive Director David Connor stated, "Like most rural counties across Tennessee, Lewis County is always looking for ways to utilize its natural resources for economic and community development. And one of the most important natural resources in Lewis County is the beautiful Buffalo River. "Over the last several years, Lewis County Government has been applying for various grants and working with multiple state agencies to develop a scenic Blueway route with public access points along the Buffalo River, so both residents and tourists could enjoy outdoor activities like floating, fishing, and swimming. "Lewis County's Buffalo River Blueway project began with the purchase of 4.5 acres of land along the river, which also bordered a creek and state highway. This prime piece of real estate was purchased for just $20,000, and was completely funded by Governor Bill Lee's Local Government Support Grant of 2020, which required no local match. "Soon after, the county was awarded a $50,000 Three-Star Grant, which allowed them to build a concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot on the property. That became the first-ever public boat ramp on the Buffalo River in Lewis County, and also required no match. "Most recently, Lewis County was awarded a $76,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant to pay for the construction of a new cypress pavilion at the site, as well as the purchase of wayfinding signs advertising the Blueway. This grant only required a local match of 5%. "Currently, over $200,000 has been invested into developing the Buffalo River Blueway through funding, materials, equipment, and labor. Of that investment, Lewis County reports less than $5,000 has come from its General Fund, while the rest has come from grants and donations. "Lewis County partnered with a host of state agencies on its Blueway project, including the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

"Several local public agencies also worked with the county and made major contributions to the project at no cost, including the Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff's Department, Inmate Work Crew, and County Maintenance Department." "By working together as a team, Lewis County Government and its partners were able to develop the beautiful Buffalo River Blueway and enhance the quality of life in their community by promoting health, environmental stewardship, and economic growth," concluded Connor. After the banquet, Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner stated, "I'm very honored and proud that Lewis County's Buffalo River Blueway project was selected by the TCSA to receive this award. I want to thank my fellow Buffalo River Blueway Committee members, which consists of Austin Carroll, Houston Hamblin, Dr. Bridget Jones and Debbie Landers, for all their hard work and leadership, which has helped make this project such a huge success. "I also appreciate our County Commissioners for all their encouragement and support of our Blueway project, as well as all of the local and state entities, businesses and individuals that helped make this project possible," concluded Keltner.