By Eric Cravey, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Trails and waterways in North Central West Virginia will be getting some new attention with help from a $1.1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Kingwood-based Friends of the Cheat received the ARC grant on behalf of the newly-formed Mountaineer Trail Network Recreation Authority, which will serve Barbour, Doddridge, Grant, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur and Wood counties. The goal of the Authority is to formally launch the Mountaineer Trail Network as a collection of non-motorized trails for running, walking biking, kayaking and canoeing.
Authority member Leisha Elliott, executive director of the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the organization was just launched and is still in the planning stages. Elliott and Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission Executive Director Tony Mihalski were appointed to the Authority by the Marion County Commission.
“Ultimately, we want our rails and trails and waterways to be a destination — resources that are also enjoyed by our residents — that serve as a quality of life issue for families and enthusiasts,” Elliott said. “The new funding will be used to enhance our land and water trails. It’s a pretty exciting time.” …