DECATUR — State and local leaders gathered last week at the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur to celebrate new investments advancing the Tennessee RiverLine initiative, including the addition of 80 kayaks that will expand access to the river across North Alabama.
The Anchored in Alabama event marked a major milestone for the multi-state outdoor recreation effort, which connects communities along the Tennessee River through projects promoting conservation, economic growth and outdoor access.
Five new Tennessee RiverLine kayak fleets were presented to Jackson County, Guntersville, Huntsville’s Ditto Landing, Decatur and Lawrence County, each equipped with paddles, flotation devices and trailers.
Speakers included State Sen. Arthur Orr; T.C. McLemore of Innovate Alabama; Will Trumm and Lauren Pelto of TVA; Dr. Carrie Crawford of the University of North Alabama; and Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine.
Orr (R-Decatur) praised the collaboration that has made the RiverLine possible and emphasized the shared responsibility to protect the region’s natural resources.
“Another way our river unites us is that we must work together to preserve it,” Orr said. “North and south, east and west, we must make sure the Tennessee River remains viable for years to come.”
He also credited the University of Tennessee for its leadership in launching the RiverLine initiative.
“We look around and we see a lot of fruits from the university’s vision here today,” he said.
The celebration also highlighted a $750,000 Innovate Alabama grant to the University of North Alabama and the Tennessee RiverLine, along with the introduction of an Alabama-based program manager who will help coordinate education and engagement efforts statewide.
Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine, said the day’s announcements demonstrate how collaboration continues to strengthen communities across the Tennessee Valley.
“Anchored in Alabama celebrates what’s possible when communities, agencies and partners work together toward a shared vision for the Tennessee River,” Collett said. “These investments reflect Alabama’s growing leadership in outdoor recreation as a strategy for economic and community development.”
More than 100 attendees, including elected officials, university partners and local RiverTowns teams, participated in the celebration and networking reception, which also featured exhibits on stewardship programs and new river access projects.
The Tennessee RiverLine is a transformative initiative led by the University of Tennessee Extension and TVA, connecting 1.2 million acres of outdoor recreation opportunities along the river’s 652-mile reach from Knoxville, Tenn., to Paducah, Ky.
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