Tweetsie Trail Master Plan

A former parks board chair and original trail task force member supported the plan as a concept, saying the $22 million estimate is likely high and the county should build it its own way.

Self-described 'godfather of the Tweetsie Trail,' he urged approval as a good investment for Carter County.

A self-identified taxpayer and trail opponent said the county has more pressing problems than a $22 million bike trail, called the revenue projections 'fake numbers,' and criticized the handling of the 5th District vacancy as lacking transparency.

The SORBA Tri-Cities director urged approval as a guiding document that unlocks state and federal grant money and connects to the Hampton watershed trails for tourism and economic growth.

TDEC's state Greenways and Trails Coordinator commended the county's vision, noted the governor has awarded $43 million to just five such projects statewide, and encouraged the board to use the plan as a guideline rather than be deterred by the cost figure.