NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Renea Jones, R-Unicoi, announced $2,642,000 in state funding has been awarded to Unicoi County and the Town of Erwin for recreation and infrastructure improvements along the Nolichucky River.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the funding through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Grant Opportunity Fund (GO Fund), both of which were approved by the General Assembly in the 2026-27 state budget.
“The Nolichucky River is one of Unicoi County’s greatest natural assets and an important driver of our local economy,” Jones said. “These investments will help ensure we can continue to welcome visitors, support local businesses and provide opportunities for our community to enjoy for generations to come.”
Unicoi County was awarded $2.25 million to support infrastructure improvements at the lower Nolichucky River takeout and recreation area.
The funding will establish the “Lower Noli Takeout” as an outdoor recreation destination for paddlers, anglers, walkers and commercial outfitters. Proposed improvements include two covered eating areas, a new river access ramp for rafts and tubes, and a new restroom facility with convenient access to the parking lot, cobble beach and walking trails. All facilities, trails and river access are expected to be wheelchair accessible.
The Town of Erwin was awarded $392,000 to establish continuous trail access along the Nolichucky River near the Riverview Freewill Baptist Church and connect to the existing Erwin trail network.
The trail will provide approximately 375 feet of fishable, kayak and river recreation access. A dedicated concrete platform will assist with the transition from the river to the sidewalk and the trail will also meet ADA requirements.
LPRF provides state funding to match local government investments for recreation projects and the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways and recreational facilities. The GO Fund supports rural communities by providing grants to cover a portion of the local match requirements for larger grant programs.
For more information on the LPRF program and how to apply, visit the Office of Outdoor Recreation website at https://www.tn.gov/environment/outdoorrec.html.
Renea Jones represents District 4 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Unicoi and part of Carter counties.
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