A resolution requesting Congressman Jim Cooper, Senator Bill Frist, and Senator Lamar Alexander to take the appropriate action for the construction of a visitor center located at the terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

WHEREAS, the Natchez Trace has been a source of historical, cultural, and economic significance to the State of Tennessee since 1801; and

WHEREAS, in 1937 the National Park Service commenced construction of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway extending from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the Natchez Trace Parkway is currently the seventh most visited national park, with over 13 million visitors in the year 2003 alone; and

WHEREAS, the construction of a visitor center for the Natchez Trace Parkway located in Nashville, Tennessee would greatly enhance the Parkway, would provide valuable information to visitors of the park, and would promote tourism in Nashville and surrounding areas.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVISON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Congressman Jim Cooper, Senator Bill Frist, and Senator Lamar Alexander to take the appropriate action for the construction of a visitor center located at the terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Congressman Jim Cooper and to Senators Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard, Eric Crafton