Tennessee § 11-11-202 - Plan for promotion and development of adventure tourism and other recreation and economic development in rural areas.

§ 11-11-202. Plan for promotion and development of adventure tourism and other recreation and economic development in rural areas.

The department of economic and community development, in cooperation with the department of environment and conservation, is directed to study and develop a plan for the promotion and development of adventure tourism and other recreational and economic development activities in rural areas of this state. Such study and plan shall be developed within existing departmental resources. The departments are directed to consider natural areas, best available science, existing recreational opportunities, economic conditions, including, but not limited to, persistent high unemployment, safety and environmental issues, and community interest in developing such plan. Such plan should include recommendations on whether and to what extent existing laws should be amended and any new laws should be enacted in order to encourage development of adventure tourism in this state. The department of environment and conservation and the department of tourist development are authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this part. Acts 2011, ch. 383, § 1; 2016, ch. 845, § 1. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2016, ch. 845, § 5 provided that any certification for an adventure tourism district that was issued by the department of economic and community development, and that was in effect on July 1, 2015, shall not expire until the earlier of the date that the department of tourist development issues a new certification or approval for such district or one (1) year following the date that the department of tourist development promulgates rules or adopts official guidance concerning the process whereby local governments may apply for certification or approval for an adventure tourism district.