State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, announced today the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont will receive $216,000 through the Recreational Trails Program.
The institute will use the funds to rehabilitate the Spruce Flats Falls trail. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation awarded the grant.
“This investment will help preserve one of our region’s most popular hiking destinations while improving safety and access for visitors,” Moon said. “I appreciate TDEC’s continued support for our outdoor spaces and the important work being done at the Tremont Institute.”
So far this year, the TDEC Office of Outdoor Recreation has awarded more than $22 million in parks and recreation grants to 31 communities across Tennessee.
The Recreational Trails Program provides federal funding to match local investments in trail-related projects, including land acquisition, non-routine maintenance, trail construction and rehabilitation and trailhead facilities.