Smith River Access Project in Eden

[Woolly Bugger]

Duke Energy Foundation gives $10,000 to Rockingham County for Smith River access project


The Rockingham County Tourism Development Authority received a $10,000 award from the Duke Energy Foundation to support construction of a public river access and takeout on the Smith River in Eden, county officials said at the Jan. 21 Board of Commissioners meeting.

The funding will go toward construction of what county presenters described as the first public river access and takeout in North Carolina above the spray dam in Eden. Rockingham County staff and Tourism Development Authority representatives said the project aims to improve safety and accessibility for paddlers, especially those unfamiliar with portaging around the spray dam.

"Hank Henning, local government and community relations manager with Duke Energy, said, "your constituents are our customers," noting Duke Energy's interest in supporting outdoor recreation and community partnerships.

County and TDA officials said the site will use an easement on North Carolina Department of Transportation property near the Highway 14 bridge. The TDA representatives said the grant will help pay for the initial construction of a public takeout and related safety improvements; they thanked NCDOT for cooperating on the easement.