2008 Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative Awardees Announced

The Conservation Fund and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) are partnering to offer technical assistance and grants to communities in the Appalachian Region. The awards help gateway communities to benefit from tourism development by enhancing natural assets, developing local artistic resources, preserving local heritage and character, and supporting asset-based economic development. This program is made possible from funding by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

Nine communities received awards in the second round of proposals. The tri-state/tri-county area of Claiborne County, TN, Bell County, KY, and Lee County, VA were awarded a Gateway Community Tourism Assessment, as well as Calhoun County, AL. The Allegheny Highlands of Virginia were awarded a Gateway Communities / Share Your Heritage workshop. Six community groups received technical assistance grants for the following projects:

• Adventure Trail Advisory Committee (OH): Install signage along the Appalachian Adventure Trail, guiding visitors to artist studios, historical/cultural sites and outdoor activities.
• TNC’s Alliance for the Cumberlands (TN): Create a nature viewing trail thru a 21-county area, highlighting key scenic/wildlife viewing sites.
• Chestnut Creek School of the Arts (VA): Purchase looms, spinning wheels, quilting frames and conduct class sessions.
• Bonham Regional Development & Tourism Center (VA): Develop a volunteer recruitment, training and retention program to address the need for more staffing at the county's new visitor center.
• Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Center (TN): Design and distribute maps of 70+ Quilt Trail sites, promoting visitation and commerce at the featured farms, galleries and museums.
• Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association (TN): Develop a culinary tourism program.