NEWPORT---"I have no doubt that you can achieve this," said Donna Emerson, East Tennessee Development District Preservation and Historic Planner, in reference to Cocke County applying for Preserve America status.

Such a designation means that Cocke County would join other American communities as one active in preserving its local culture and building on its historic heritage.

"Once you achieve this designation," said Emerson, "there are grant funds available for continued work. These grants are available only to communities who are thus designated."

According to Emerson, only eight Tennessee communities, including Rugby, Oak Ridge, and Jonesborough, have been designated Preserve America communities.

Emerson's comments came during a meeting Tuesday morning with several local government, civic, and community leaders.

Among the projects discussed was the ongoing goal to develop a River Walk in downtown Newport.

Scott Collins, Newport City Planner, told the group that a "step-by-step plan is now in place for the River Walk's completion. Our goal is to complete this project by the end of next summer. Then we can apply for more grants."

When asked what she recommended the local group "do first," Emerson replied, "I've studied your downtown area, and I keep going back to the intersection of McMahan Avenue with both Main Street and Broadway."

Emerson continued, "I would suggest you apply for a Stage I grant of a multi-phase plan to work on that portion of Newport."

Among the buildings involved in this plan would be the Newport Theatre Guild building on Broadway.

Emerson urged the group to contact the Guild and "find out if they are interested in participating in this program."