Disputed Walker drive turned over to Catoosa

A grading crew began work on Smith-Templeton Road last week, just days after Walker and Catoosa counties finalized an agreement on the disputed road.

The gravel road snakes in and out of both counties, which caused headaches last fall when residents asked for it to be maintained by either county.

Catoosa County Manager Mike Helton said he received a signed intergovernmental agreement from Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell on Wednesday, and crews headed out to the site Friday.

"We've got that answer rolling," Mr. Helton said.

At a Catoosa County Commission meeting in October, residents of the road blasted a fellow resident, saying he was trying to control the road.

Members of the Smith family contended that neighbor Robert Templeton Jr. had posted "private drive" signs to intimidate them. They said he had threatened to sue anyone who works on the ruts that make the road unusable for all but the hardiest four-wheel-drive trucks.

At the time, Mr. Templeton denied the allegations. Last week, he said he was content with the counties' solution.

"It's resolved, and we're pretty much happy with it," Mr. Templeton said. "It's over with from what I see."

Attempts to reach the Smith family were unsuccessful.

Walker County Coordinator David Ashburn said the county was hamstrung when it came to fixing the road because the complaining residents were in Catoosa County.

"That was our problem all along," Mr. Ashburn said. "Why should we spend money on a road where no one in Walker County lives?"

Once Mr. Templeton and another landowner signed an agreement granting right-of-way access, Walker County signed the agreement with Catoosa, guaranteeing its neighboring county would maintain the road for 50 years.

Catoosa County Roads Superintendent Chuck Taylor said his crews acted quickly once the deal was struck to capitalize on the clear weather.

"We need to hit it while it's dry," he said.

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