Rahall Helps Meadow River Rail-Trail Project Get Boost From National Park Service

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (WV-3) today announced that, at his urging, the National Park Service (NPS) has agreed for a second year to assist the Fayette and Greenbrier County Commissions in converting a 16.7 mile segment of abandoned rail line into a recreational trail. Stretching from Rainelle to Nallen, the Meadow River Rail-Trail would link the Gauley River Recreational Area with the Rainelle Recreation Corridor.

"This project will benefit our rural counties economically as well as promote the health and well-being of our citizens through the creation of a recreation corridor that will make available physical activities venues that currently do not exist," said Rahall. "The plans for the eventual connection of this trail with the existing state park systems will support the efforts of Fayette and Greenbrier in promoting tourism in the region."

The NPS' Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS-RTCA) helps community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects by providing technical assistance to communities to conserve rivers, preserve open spaces, and develop trails and greenways. The NPS-RTCA will assist Fayette and Greenbrier County Commissions with public outreach, strategic planning, identifying funding sources, and actively engaging the project team in working toward on-the-ground success.

"The importance of having the technical advice of the National Park Service to assist with issues related to rail banking, property appraisals and negotiations, recreational trail services, and marketing has proven helpful this past year. I am very pleased that this important project will again benefit from the invaluable expertise of the National Park Service," said Rahall.

Source