County leaders weigh temporary Creeper Trail, nonprofit 'Trails to Recovery' to revive Damascus economy

Washington County supervisors spent a portion of their Oct. 22 meeting on recovery planning for the Creeper Trail and the Damascus tourism economy, including a proposal to create a temporary trail route and a new nonprofit to raise funds for rebuilding.

County staff and supervisors described an executive committee, branded "Trails to Recovery," that would raise money and coordinate rebuilding of damaged homes and trail segments. Mr. Berry said the group and possible consultants — including national recreation firm Barry Dunn and subcontractor Tool Design — could produce a temporary trail design and cost estimate quickly, allowing shuttles and temporary access to revive local tourism.

Board members discussed emergency procurement as a possible route to fast-track design and temporary construction, and noted federal partners are already assessing NEPA requirements for a longer-term rebuild. Mr. Berry said the governor was scheduled to visit Damascus later in the week and that Senator Mark Warner had expressed interest in helping raise private funds if the county provided a number.

Supervisors asked staff to prepare a focused single-item meeting the following week with a detailed proposal and cost estimate for the temporary trail option and to explore public-private fundraising and emergency procurement paths. They also reported other recovery tasks: temporary broadband lines to Taylors Valley, transfer-station closure and reopening timelines, and efforts to run water lines along Highway 58 to restore services.

The board recessed to schedule a follow-up meeting to consider a single proposal for the Creeper Trail and related emergency procurement options.