§ 11-8-101. Short Title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund Act.”
§ 11-8-102. Chapter Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise: “Board” means the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund board created pursuant to § 11-8-104; “Commissioner” means the commissioner of environment and conservation or the commissioner’s designee; “Department” means the department of environment and conservation; “Development fund” means the Ocoee River recreation and economic […]
§ 11-8-103. Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund — Purpose of Chapter
The Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund is established as a special agency account in the general fund. The purpose of this chapter is to support recreational water releases on the Ocoee River, to provide for management of the Ocoee River management zone by Tennessee State Parks, and to encourage the economic growth of […]
§ 11-8-104. Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund Board
On July 1, 2018, there is established the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund board. The board shall be attached to the department of environment and conservation for administrative purposes, but shall be independent of the department. The board shall consist of nine (9) voting members as follows: The manager of the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic […]
§ 11-8-105. Authority of Board — Meetings — Bylaws — Conflicts of Interest Policy — Annual Report — Audit of Nonprofit Entity
The board is authorized to: Apply for and receive grants and matching funds to carry out the purposes of this chapter; Request and receive gifts, contributions, bequests, and donations from public and private sources to effectuate its purpose. Any such funds received shall be deposited into the development fund; provided, that, if any such gifts, […]
§ 11-8-106. Reimbursement of Management Costs Incurred by County
Any county that incurs costs for the management of the Ocoee River management zone shall submit a financial statement and justification for costs incurred to the board. The board shall reimburse such counties for all costs determined by the board to be reasonable.
§ 11-8-107. Permits for Commercial Operation — Recreation Fee — Promulgation of Rules
Beginning in the 2019 rafting season, and continuing for each subsequent rafting season, the commissioner is authorized to issue permits to commercial operations conducting business within the Ocoee River management zone. The commissioner is authorized to levy and collect the Ocoee River recreation fee, which shall be ten percent (10%) of the annual gross revenue […]
§ 11-8-108. Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017-2018
Any appropriations made in the general appropriations act for fiscal year 2017-2018 and allocated to the development fund shall be held in the fund until all contracts and memorandums of understanding have been entered into by state, federal, and private entities to ensure the continued release of water for recreational purposes on the Ocoee River […]