A rails-to-trails conversion project located in South East Tennessee is a terrific example of how successful intergovernmental relations can benefit multiple communities in a region. Located along Highway 307 and running down to Highway 39 in McMinn County, the Eureka Trail is a multi-government, multi-phase project that will connect the City of Athens and the Town of Englewood.
Designed by engineering students from the University of Tennessee, Eureka Trail is situated on top of an historic railroad bed that has been abandoned since 2009. The trail is expected to stretch out to 7 miles once complete. Residents are currently enjoying the 4.6 miles that have already been converted; residents like John and Becky McGrew a couple in their 70s who now cycle the trail a few times a week for better health.

Created by Collaboration
Named for the Eureka Cotton Mill that once operated at the Englewood trail head, the project is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the McMinn County Government, the City of Athens, and the Town of Englewood. The interlocal agreement between the entities establishes a committee for the maintenance, operation, and expansion of the trail.

The project has received funding from the City of Athens and McMinn County, as well as grants and donations from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Marshall University, Project Diabetes, and the Lyndhurst Foundation, a private non-profit organization based in Chattanooga and facilitated by the local Athens Parks Foundation.

Contributions from the local Kiwanis Club and private citizen donations have also been used to help fund and enhance features on the trail, such as a bridge over a creek, its railings and surfacing on the trail. In all, there are 6 government entities from the federal, state, and local levels involved in making Eureka Trail a success, including both Senators of the State of Tennessee.

Community Benefits
The Eureka Trail is designed to help citizens enjoy walking, running, and bicycling. If the surface is improved to a hard surface, rollerblading and skateboarding will be approved uses as well. Horseback riding is allowed on specific days of the week, subject to the condition of the trail surface.
The trail also features the “Health Triangle,” a convenient half-mile section designed for those with disabilities or who may just be easing into a new exercise routine. Working in conjunction with the State of Tennessee’s Project Diabetes, the Health Triangle includes educational signs on how to stay fit and make better dietary decisions.

Local feedback has been tremendously positive. According to Parks Director Austin Fesmire, initial naysayers of the project have shared that Eureka Trail is a great use of public funds. One local couple recently logged their 500th mile on the trail!

National Recognition
In 2016, the National Coalition of Recreational Trails awarded Eureka Trail with the Recreational Trails Program Achievement Award for Engaging Public-Sector Partners This award was granted for exemplary engagement and garnering of support from public-sector officials including local, state, and federal elected officials.

Meet the Manager

C. Seth Sumner

City Manager

Seth Sumner began service as the City Manager of Athens in February 2017, having previously served as Assistant City Manager of Savannah from 2012 and the City Manager of Clifton from 2010-2012. He is an inspired, modern public manager mindful of the people’s resources and capacities, employing a corporate-minded resolve to local government management. Sumner received his BA (2005) in Political Science and Master of Public Administration (2009) from the University of Tennessee, and completed the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute in 2012. An ICMA Credentialed Manager and graduate of Leadership ICMA, Seth currently serves ICMA on the International Committee and Sustainable Communities Advisory Board.

Niles and surrounding communities had been plagued by flooding since the 1970s. The issue came to a head when, in September 2008, the area experienced record rainfall of about 9.5 inches in 15 hours. The region was declared a federal disaster area when the resulting flooding overwhelmed local and regional sewer systems and caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

Solution: The creation of a comprehensive Stormwater Relief Program.

HOW THEY DID IT

Niles Mayor Robert Callero drafted then-Assistant Village Manager Steven Vinezeano as lead staff member of a Stormwater Commission.

Phase One began in February 2009. The commission established a study methodology for data collection and mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and gathered information from homeowners.

In September, the commission’s first report offered recommendations for reducing runoff, updating legislation, reevaluating system operations, and short- and long-term capital programs.

In 2010, the village hired an engineering firm to work with the commission on analyzing the data collected from several floods. Their June 2012 report recommended the creation of a Stormwater Relief Program to:

• Update village ordinances and codes to meet county, state, and federal standards so future development didn’t have a negative impact on stormwater management for existing homes and businesses.
• Map the sewer system on GIS and institute a multiyear maintenance plan.
• Outline capital improvement projects that could be carried out without significant engineering and construction.
• Offer immediate cost share assistance of up to $4,000 to homeowners experiencing chronic sewer backup or overland flooding.

RESULTS

As a result of these efforts Niles has paid out more than $1.5 million in aid to more than 400 homeowners through a Flood Control Assistance Program. Three major Tier I capital projects, in addition to the largest infrastructure project in the village’s history, have been completed.

Working with FEMA and Cook County, Niles has also developed an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Village now participates in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System with a quality CRS of 6.

Currently the Stormwater Commission is in the process of updating the 2012 Stormwater Relief Program at an estimated cost of $50,000.

LESSONS LEARNED

• Be straight with residents, even when it gets tough.
• Act on urgent issues swiftly and report accomplishments to the public.
• If you think something is impossible, think again.
• Nurture contacts with regional, state, and federal agencies— you may learn of valuable funding opportunities.

This program was a 2016 recipient of an ICMA Local Government Excellence Award in Community Health and Safety. 

Meet the Manager

Steve Vinezeano

Village Manager

  Steve received a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from SIU at Carbondale in 1988 and a Master's degree in Public Administration in 1996. Mr. Vinezeano began his public service career as an active duty commissioned officer in the United States Army from 1989 to 1992, serving in the Gulf War. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1997. He started his career in local government as the Assistant City Administrator for the City of Prospect Heights from 1996 to 2000 before accepting a position with the Village of Niles where he has served as the Assistant to- and the Assistant Village Manager from 2000 to 2012. In December of 2012, he accepted the duties of Acting Village Manager until he was appointed Village Manager in May of 2013.