Published: October 10, 2009 10:17 pm      

Plans progress for rail-to-trail project

Southern West Virginia residents could be the beneficiaries of another rail-to-trail project in the coming months.

According to officials, plans are progressing for creation of a recreation trail that will be shared by Fayette and Greenbrier counties. The proposed Meadow River Rail to Trail project would encompass an abandoned 16.7-acre CSX rail line along the former Fayette, Nicholas and Greenbrier Railroad on the Meadow River.

This particular section includes Russellville and Nallen, as well as two long trestles crossing the scenic Meadow River.

Carl Thompson, a Fayette County Extension agent for community development and Fayette’s staff coordinator for the project, is excited about the trail’s prospects.

“The segment of the trail will eventually connect to the Gauley River National Recreation Area and potentially create a trail into Rainelle and further east into Greenbrier County to link with the Greenbrier River Trail, another rail-trail,” said Thompson.

Doug Hylton, his counterpart in Greenbrier County, embraces the project, too.

“The Meadow River rail corridor will be improved and protected through the rail-trail project,” Hylton, the executive director of the Ronceverte Development Corporation and the staff coordinator for Greenbrier County, said in a press release. “Hiking, biking and possible equestrian uses will be newly created, and access for fishing, swimming and paddling will be greatly enhanced along the corridor.”

County commissions in both counties, getting a major assist from National Park Service outdoor recreation planner Peggy Pings, have worked for months on the project.

“The county commissions requested the assistance of the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program in July 2008,” said Fayette County Commissioner Ken Eskew. “Soon after, it was learned that there was an opportunity to acquire the corridor for public trail use.”

The commissions have committed $66,000 toward the purchase of the corridor to date. Also, they recently learned the project was approved for a $100,000 West Virginia Division of Highways Recreational Trail Grant.

A recent independent appraisal performed via a National Park Service Challenge Cost-Share grant pegged the cost of the property at $92,000, according to Thompson.

Now, commissioners will set their sights on talks with CSX Transportation to purchase the property and, if that is successful, will begin making development plans for the corridor as a recreational trail.

“It will be a process,” Thompson said.

Eskew praised Pings for her technical assistance, as did Greenbrier Commissioners Betty Crookshanks and Brad Tuckwiller.

Pings says the project was boosted by the formation of a project leadership team whose members “bring a wide array of knowledge and expertise to the table and know the local area.”

She went on to stress the need for widespread participation in coming months by local citizens.

According to Thompson, the various citizens, agencies, organizations and legislative representatives involved so far are excited about the potential for the trail. It will enhance the area’s tourism potential while contributing to ongoing community revitalization and healthier lifestyles. Also, the corridor provides important wildlife habitat and green space.

The conversion of the historic rail line into a trail will preserve the corridor intact and allow the telling of railroading and community stories, he added. It will also provide safe, off-road, non-motorized opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Anyone wanting to become involved in the development of the rail to trail project can contact Thompson at 304-574-4339 or cthomps7@wvstateu.edu, or Hylton at 304-647-3140 or dghylton@aol.com.