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Commission approves MOU allowing Hope Gas to replace pipeline under rail trail
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with the West Virginia State Rail Authority and Hope Gas that permits Hope Gas to perform a pipeline replacement that runs under the county-owned rail trail and requires restoration if the trail is damaged.
The Harrison County Commission on March 19 approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the West Virginia State Rail Authority, Harrison County and Hope Gas Inc. allowing Hope Gas to replace a gas pipeline that runs underneath the county rail trail.
Staff presented the MOU, saying the state rail authority sought permission because the county leases the trail corridor; the agreement requires Hope Gas to restore any disturbed areas, including reseeding and replacing rock where necessary. A staff presenter said, “Since we leased this actual piece of property from the state rail authority, they had to come to us for permission to, take care of a gas line going underneath the rail trail. The MOU states that if they do any damage, they'll take care of it, reseeding, whatever it might be.”
Commissioners voted to approve the MOU and authorized county signatures. The motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: the MOU clarifies responsibilities for construction and post-work restoration where a utility must cross the rail-trail corridor. The county retains oversight authority for restoration and may enforce restoration obligations under the MOU.
Next steps: staff will affix signatures to the MOU and coordinate project oversight with the rail authority and Hope Gas.
