Monterey Awarded Tourism Grant For Bee Rock

The State of Tennessee has awarded Monterey a $67,500 Tourism Enhancement Grant.

Mayor Bill Wiggins said the funding will be used to install a restroom facility on the Bee Rock property.

“We feel very good about this because we just acquired Bee Rock,” Wiggins said. “It’s really exciting and we think this will add to the lure of Bee Rock and make that visit more accommodating.”

Monterey grant writer Dawn Kupferer and Mayor Bill Wiggins view the landscape from edge of Bee Rock. The town plans to apply for a $75,000 grant to help enhance the park.

Monterey applied for the grant during its board of mayor and aldermen meeting in May. The town will provide a $10,000 match towards the total project price.

Wiggins said other projects will be considered at Bee Rock once a lawsuit over property access concludes in court.

“Our hang up right now is access to the Bee Rock property. We’re talking about an easement that runs through the Garden Inn property and adjacent to the Bee Rock property,” Wiggins said. “That has created some contention. We’re going to court on Monday to hopefully settle the issue.”

Wiggins said Monterey would like to have room to construct a two lane road and a barrier to keep visitors off the Garden Inn Property.

“We want to be a good neighbors and not cause any harm to surrounding property owners,” Wiggins said.

In the meantime, Monterey has an official dedication ceremony scheduled at Bee Rock on June 22.