POWELL, Tenn. — Knox County Commissioners voted Monday after considering resolutions aimed at improving Beaver Creek.
One resolution effectively approves a grant contract to remove the Coward Mill Dam in northwest Knox County and stabilize Beaver Creek's banks. By removing the dam, county leaders hope to promote water quality and fish passage. According to the resolution, Knox County will receive up to $546,600 from the Resource Protection competitive American Rescue Plan Grant.
The contract requires the county to commit $136,700 to the project. Beaver Creek is a popular location for many explorers in Knox County. A dock for boats and kayaks is installed on the creek near Powell High School. Visitors can use the dock to kick off their journeys and traverse the tributary running 44 miles from Halls to Melton Hill in Hardin Valley.
Another resolution on the Knox County Commission agenda would approve an agreement to build a "Powell High School Greenway," which would include a pedestrian bridge over Beaver Creek, near the dock, as well as around a half-mile of new greenway.
A proposed contract template from the state said the greenway would run adjacent to Brickyard Road starting at the corner of the intersection with Powell Drive. On the northern bank of the creek, it would run west to Powell Station Park property before turning north and ending on West Emory Road, tying into existing sidewalk and greenway facilities.