Portland To Receive Greenway Assistance From National Park Service
October 18, 2005, PORTLAND – The National Park Service will provide the City of Portland with planning and technical assistance to aid in the creation of a city greenway, announced U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.
“A greenway will provide a tremendous benefit to the quality of life in Portland by creating recreational opportunities, preserving the natural beauty of the area and developing alternative transportation routes,” said Gordon, dean of Tennessee’s congressional delegation.
“In addition, greenways provide economic development opportunities by boosting property values and attracting new businesses. A recent study showed that one of the main reasons businesses locate to particular areas is quality of life for their employees.”
Portland Mayor Ken Wilber said that city officials hope to work with National Park Service staff to develop a greenway that would link the city’s two parks through the downtown area, highlight historic sites and preserve wetlands and wooded areas.
“We’re excited about this,” said Wilber. “We’re asking for their help to lay out the greenway and create a master plan.”
The National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program provides staff to give planning and technical assistance to communities that are developing outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Mayor Wilber has done an outstanding job of seeking out resources to help the city develop a greenway,” said Gordon. “By building greenways, we not only preserve our natural areas for future generations to enjoy, but we also help to bring in companies that will provide residents with good-paying jobs.”
Recently, local, state and federal officials met to discuss a countywide greenway system. White House already has a four-mile greenway system. Earlier this year, Gordon secured $532,000 to help Gallatin launch its greenway along Town Creek. A greenway along Station Camp Creek is also in the works.
“Sumner County residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life,” said Gordon. “These greenways will only enhance that.”
