TENNESSEE — The Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill 2425, legislation that expands permissible uses of the Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund, reduces commercial rafting permits, and adds the director of the Division of State Parks to the fund's governing board. The bill has been sent to the governor for signature and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The legislation allows fund money to support infrastructure improvements, tourism promotion, event development, and other operational needs within the river's management area, which is designated as one of Tennessee's newest state parks. The bill requires a simple majority vote for expenditures from the fund. The legislation also includes measures to protect the river's long-term sustainability.

The measure reduces the number of commercial rafting permits from 24 to 12 through attrition. Current rafting permit operators may continue serving visitors after the permit reduction, and the bill allows limited transfer of existing commercial rafting permits with approval from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The bill is sponsored by State Rep. Dan Howell (R-Ocoee), who serves as chairman of the ORRED Board. "The Ocoee River is one of Tennessee's premier outdoor destinations," Howell said. "This legislation ensures we can continue to grow tourism, support local businesses, and preserve the river for future generations."

The Tennessee General Assembly passed the legislation to strengthen economic growth, improve recreation opportunities, and protect the long-term health of the Ocoee River. The river attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and supports an outdoor recreation economy that includes whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The Ocoee River hosted the whitewater events during the 1996 Summer Olympics and is the only natural river ever used for Olympic whitewater competition.