BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority has received a $2 million federal grant to support the second phase of the Clear Fork Rail Trail project.
The funding, announced October 14, comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) POWER Initiative, which supports economic development and job creation in Appalachian communities affected by changes in the coal industry.
Phase II of the Clear Fork Rail Trail will extend the existing trail by approximately four miles and include the construction of three large bridges.
The expansion is intended to improve outdoor recreation opportunities and attract additional visitors to the area.
The Parks and Recreation Authority has secured a total of $8.69 million in grant funding for the second phase of the project.
In addition to the $2 million ARC grant, funding includes $4.45 million from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program, $2 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Cleanup program, $192,000 from a West Virginia Department of Transportation design grant and $48,000 from the Raleigh County Commission.
Region One Development Authority has assisted with securing and managing grant funding, while Chapman Technical Group and The Thrasher Group are serving as engineering firms for the project.
The Clear Fork Rail Trail begins at 101 Rich Lane in Jarrolds Valley near Whitesville. One of its attractions is the Clear Fork Rail Trail Waterfall, which is an official stop along the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
Visitors are reminded that the trail operates as a pack-in, pack-out facility, with no trash receptacles along the route. Cellular service is also unavailable along the trail.
