The Harrison County Commission on Tuesday voted to set aside $2 million to advance construction on segments of the county'owned rail trail between Route 19 and Reynoldsville, covering what commissioners described as phases 3, 4, 5 and 6 of a seven‑phase plan.

Commissioners directed staff and county engineer Chad to prioritize the listed phases, move money away from a less critical leg (the Adamston spur) and apply those funds toward completing the trail farther west. The motion also authorized Chad to work with county legal counsel and property owners (including United International/Goldaizen) to finalize a terminal point for the trail and to provide a high‑level estimate for connecting the trail from Mount Clare Fire Department to Lost Creek.

County staff and the commission discussed environmental and right‑of‑way issues. Consultants and staff warned that certain segments (notably the bridge crossing and areas with cattail‑filled ditches) may need environmental work and Army Corps review; they also noted that CSX requirements may dictate surfacing (asphalt versus stone) on some segments. Commissioners said they preferred doing segments for which money is already set aside and postponing bridge work until dedicated bridge funding is secured.

Commissioners said the $2 million allocation is intended to move forward on near‑term, budgeted trail work and to allow the county to seek additional grants for the bridge and other gaps. The motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will coordinate with counsel and property owners on condemnation/terminal point decisions, refine cost estimates for the Mount Clare to Lost Creek gap, and return to the commission as the county refines its grant and capital plan.