CHARLESTON — Projects in Randolph, Upshur, Barbour, Tucker and Pocahontas counties are among 61 outdoor recreation projects to receive funding announced by Gov. Jim Justice.

By combining federal and state funds, projects are being funded in all nine travel regions and 34 counties. The projects represent nearly 700 miles of new or enhanced trails across the state. Leveraging state, federal, and local funds, the awards represent nearly $19 million of outdoor recreation infrastructure soon to be underway.

In Randolph County, the Randolph County Commission has been awarded $50,000 for Randolph County Courthouse ADA Compliant Entrance and Sidewalks. The funding will be utilized for the reconstruction of the main entrance sidewalk and stairs of the courthouse to bring them into ADA compliance and for a new sidewalk connection to make a continuous walking path around the courthouse complex.

Also, the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission has received $485,000 for a Glendale Park Skills Area, a recreation complex with athletic fields, an inclusive playground, hiking and mountain biking trails, and other amenities.

In addition, the Monongahela National Forest Greenbrier RD has been awarded $375,000 for Mower Tract North–Phase IV, which will construct 8.2 miles of the new trail at Mower Tract, Cheat Mountain, and connect it with the existing loops (Phase 1-3) on the Monongahela National Forest Mower basin.

In Upshur County, the City of Buckhannon has received $75,000 for the Buckhannon Morton Avenue & North Locust Street Sidewalk & Lighting Project. The funding will be used to install new sidewalks and lighting along North Locust Street and Morton Avenue.

In Barbour County, the City of Philippi has secured $75,000 for new and replacement sidewalks along both sides of Main Street.

In Tucker County, the Town of Davis has secured  $100,000 to be used for approximately 3,000 feet of new and replacement sidewalks along Main Street.

In Pocahontas County, the USDA Forest Service has secured $1,250,000 to reconstruct Cranberry Glades Boardwalk.  

Also, the town of Marlinton has received $100,000 for new and replacement sidewalks in the central business district and residential area.

“Investing in our cities, towns, parks, and trails is truly one of the best ways to attract tourists and improve the daily lives of our residents,” Justice said. “This program allocates millions of dollars to make some of the most cherished places in West Virginia easier to access, which will also increase visitation throughout the state. The positive economic ripple effects will be widespread, and I’m thrilled to approve these initiatives for our great state.”

“Thanks to Gov. Justice’s steadfast commitment to and investment in tourism and community infrastructure, we have become national leaders for our state’s parks and public lands,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “These funds will allow West Virginia to continue building its reputation as a top outdoor recreation state. I can’t wait to see all these projects under construction and our state continue to receive the national and international recognition it deserves for our outdoor spaces.  It truly is Almost Heaven.”

This year’s federal funding was supplemented with $5 million of state funds appropriated to the West Virginia Department of Tourism.  

Applications for the next Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Grants round will open on May 1. Those interested in applying can learn more at dohgrants.wv.gov.