This project combined dramatically reducing erosion and provides hiking trails with more than 2,000 acres of wildlife corridor, said Col. Thomas Smith, District Engineer.

     “This project was created by state, local, and federal agencies working together to create this project,” Col. Smith said. “When you can combine recreation and flood prevention, it makes everyone proud.”

     The need for this project was identified in the late 1980s. The Memphis District completed a two-year reconnaissance study in 1992, and the 2000 Water Resources Development Act authorized the construction project.

     Construction began in 2004 and a historic metal foot bridge was recycled into this project.

     Spearheading the event was Ted Fox, Shelby County Public Works. Fox is a retired U.S. Army colonel, who served as Memphis District Commander from 1993-95.

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton (right) acknowedges all parties involved in the project

     Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton acknowledged the contributions of all parties involved including state, local and federal government offices and conservation organizations.

     He said he was delighted in the way everyone had worked together to “… pull an 8-mile stretch (of the river) together and make it a thing of beauty.”

      Additional speakers were Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley, Shelby County Conservation Committee Chairman Commissioner Mike Carpenter, Chickasaw Basin Authority Chairman Charles Perkins, and Wolf River Conservancy Director Keith Kirkland.

Col. Tom Smith, Mayor A C Wharton (middle) and others cut the ribbon at the ceremony

     Other dignitaries who joined the speakers in the ribbon cutting ceremony included Tennessee State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris; Shelby County Board of Commissioners Chair Deidre Malone;  Shelby County Conservation Committee Commissioner, Mike Carpenter; U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander’s Office Field Representative, Josh Thomas; U.S. Sen. Bob Corker’s Office Field Director, Nick Kistenmacher,; U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn’s Office, Deputy Chief of Staff,  Scott Golden; and U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen’s Office Associate Director, Kristee Bell.