GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — An unprecedented agreement was formalized on Friday as Greene County leaders joined forces with officials from the Cherokee National Forest. The special accord focuses on speeding up recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
The landmark signing event took place at the Horse Creek Recreation Area, where it was announced that a substantial $3.1 million in federal funding has been secured. This grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service under the Good Neighbor Agreement program, earmarks funds to bolster recovery efforts.
Describing the pact as an historic alliance, leaders emphasized its importance. The agreement, set to last for a potential five years, aims to enhance coordination between Greene County and the Cherokee National Forest in tackling disaster recovery and planning for future enhancement projects.
Among the dignitaries present was Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison. He expressed his excitement about this innovative partnership and stressed the urgency of repairing the affected areas.
“Greene County sustained about 165 million worth of damage, 35 million in private property infrastructure damage, and another 135 million in public property infrastructure damage, most notably to our water delivery system, and the parks didn’t escape that,” Morrison told News Channel 11.
The recovery plan includes a complete redesign of the Horse Creek Recreation Area, new wayfinding signage throughout Greene County and the Cherokee National Forest, stormwater recovery projects and funding for Greene County to hire a disaster recovery engineer.
Officials said the agreement is intended to address damage caused by Hurricane Helene while also improving recreational opportunities and the overall visitor experience.
Greene County Partnership (GCP) Director Jeff Taylor emphasized how historic this agreement is for both Greene County and the Cherokee National Forest, as both are historic and tourist areas.
“This is the first agreement of its kind in the country, so we’re very excited to be leading restoration and facilitating improvements in our national force across the country,” Taylor said.
In addition to rebuilding infrastructure, the partnership focuses on the long-term stewardship of public recreation areas and expanding outdoor access throughout the national forest.
During Friday’s ceremony, local and federal leaders said the Good Neighbor Agreement represents a significant investment in both the county’s recovery and the future of one of Northeast Tennessee’s most popular outdoor destinations.
Morrison added that he is excited that recovery and relief efforts are underway.
“We think it’s going to be a great partnership,” Morrison said. “We’ve always maintained a good partnership with the forest service, and this is only going to be sort of the culmination of that.”
Officials expect projects funded through the agreement to move forward over the next several years as recovery efforts continue.