Currently, the plan is to determine if there is private interest in operating and maintaining a multi-purpose day use area, and former campground, that closed in 2004 due to low utilization and the need for costly upgrades to infrastructure.

We have witnessed a resurgence by Nashvillians to recreate outdoors.  Static and declining Federal appropriations would have an impact on our ability to make enhancements to meet a growing demand.   

This is an attempt to offer an enhanced outdoor recreational experience by fully utilizing an area that’s been in full or partial operation since the 1970s. 

We have a similar multipurpose area a few miles down the road, Seven Points Recreation Area, which receives high use and requires tremendous maintenance.  We see the potential for Cook Recreation Area to complement and lower the visitation pressures at Seven Points.  

Yes. The Corps began an early outreach campaign last November, and its ongoing.  The open public process presents neighbors numerous ways to voice concerns.  We mailed scoping notices (two so far) to approximately 200 nearby residents  in November 2020 and February 2021 asking for their input.  The public will also be solicited for information during Phase II of the NEPA and EA process.

This is not an attempt to compete with nor open the door to a marina or water park - that is not our plan.  This is not a build to suit initiative. 

Our framework for success would be to keep the same type of recreational facilities; however, the number of each type may increase (i.e. more parking spaces, more boat launching lanes, more beach areas, more trail miles and loops, more picnic tables, etc.).  

No.  This initiative would be coordinated through a multi-year lease agreement. Lease agreements are not new – the Corps has lease agreements with state and local governments and private entities to operate recreation facilities throughout the United States. 

We are months away from a decision – we are in the fact NOA phase now and the NEPA process. A final decision or issuance of a lease isn't expected until summer or fall of 2022. 

Effects of any potential federal action are evaluated and used to inform our decisions. State and local governments that are experts in such things like traffic control are involved in the process and will have an opportunity to present its input. This is part of the required NEPA process. More information on this can be found in the NOA document.