McMinnville officials will receive a visit from state Rep. Judd Matheny this Tuesday at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public with the topic being how local and state governments can work together to cash in on water recreation.“Matheny will explain recent blueway legislation that was passed by the state and what we can do to partner with the county in order to stimulate some recreational activities within the county,” said McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley. “This could be an economic stimulus for us if we approach it in the right way.”Matheny says the blueway issue is part of adventure tourism legislation he sponsored several years ago which allows local governments to partner with other organizations, and the state, in an effort to enhance outdoor tourism.“Kayaking, canoeing and rafting were the cornerstones of the legislation, but it can apply to other things like ziplining, four-wheeling and horseback riding,” said Matheny. “Once you get approved as an adventure tourism zone, which is not that difficult, it opens up a lot of opportunities.”McMinnville officials have been interested in opening more access points along the Barren Fork River.
Rep. Matheny to discuss adventure tourism