News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Tennessee Central Rail Trail Authority will discuss Monterey rejoining the group at its next board meeting.
Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said the matter has been added to the Authority’s agenda after contacting Chair Tara Wohlgemuth.
“I emailed her about what the process would look like for Monterey to rejoin the authority,” Cleary said. “She wasn’t sure, but she’s got it on their agenda for the 29th of November to discuss what that process is going to be like.”
Cleary said from their conversation, returning would take approval from all entities involved in the inter-local agreement. Alderman Nathan Walker said Monterey does support the group’s goal and wants to be a member.
“We want to be a part of that if the project maintains its original intentions to create that type of attraction for the region,” Walker said. “We are definitely interested.”
According to Walker, Monterey left the association, because officials at the time felt like the town was not benefiting from the $25,000 annual dues. Walker said at the time, the group struggled with participation and funding.
The group creates and manages the rail trial that stretches from the Cookeville Depot to Walter L. Bilbrey Memorial Park in Algood. The authority’s goal is to one day connect Monterey and Baxter to the paved walkway that follows the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority railroad.
