State Rep. Paul Sherrell, R-Sparta, today announced his support for Gov. Bill Lee’s budget proposal creating a new state park in Warren County.
Lee’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year allocates funding to create four new state parks in Tennessee, including Cardwell Mountain in McMinnville.
“Cardwell Mountain will make a fantastic state park,” Sherrell said. “Tennessee’s natural beauty is a major draw for residents and tourists and this new park will allow people to enjoy some of the best McMinnville has to offer. I appreciate the General Assembly’s support for this very worthy project.”
Cardwell Mountain is a 530-acre property with a Native American earthen monument, archaeological sites and rock art. The mountainous landscape is bounded by the Collins River and contains a unique upland plateau.
Gov. Lee’s proposal includes $22 million to construct a new visitor center, maintenance facility and related infrastructure at the site. Other proposed state parks in Lee’s budget are Ocoee/Hiwassee Scenic River state parks in Polk County, Head of the Crow in Franklin County and Fort Southwest Point in Roane County.
Lee set aside $63 million for sites as part of his goal to fund eight new state parks by the end of his term. The General Assembly last year approved funding to create four new state parks across Tennessee.
State Rep. Paul Sherrell represents House District 43, which includes Warren and White counties.