NORRIS — Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s at Norris Dam State Park are being restored and renovated, two lawmakers announced Friday.
The State Building Commission has approved plans for the Tea Room, the Linen House and 19 cabins, said state Representative John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, and Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro.
The project represents a $1.4 million investment, the lawmakers said.
The Tea Room through the decades has been used as a restaurant under state and private management. The building is now available as a rental facility for a variety of functions, ranging from weddings to reunions.
The Linen House is a structure now utilized for storage.
All of the 19 cabins targeted for restoration are on the Norris side of the state park, which is bisected by Norris Dam, the first dam built by TVA.
“The improvements at Norris Dam will provide both residents and visitors with an even better experience at one of our state’s most premier parks,” Ragan said.
“I know that with these upgrades, the people of Anderson County will be enjoying Norris Dam for years to come,” Powers said.
Ragan said the State Building Commission go-ahead means the project will be let for contracts in about 60 days.
The timetable for the work hasn’t been set yet, he said.