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Regional development authority updates mega‑site, Appalachian Heights and Wolf Creek plans; rail‑trail federal request advanced
Summary
NRG RDA and county staff updated commissioners on economic projects: two candidate mega‑site pads (44 and 45 acres) for industrial development; Appalachian Heights water infrastructure planning with $2.5 million available and March bid timing; Meadow River Rail Trail congressional funding request included a $3.2M ask for acquisition/design; Wolf Creek Park remains under active, confidential negotiations tied to housing priorities.
County economic‑development staff and the regional development authority (NRG RDA) briefed the commission on multiple projects and next steps.
Mega site: A recent site assessment identified two roughly equal candidate pads (45 and 44 acres). Staff said the 44‑acre pad offers more willing landowner participation and recommended prioritizing that parcel for utility cost estimates and master planning. The RDA maintains the Thrasher contract to finalize utility design and costs.
Appalachian Heights: The county has $2.5 million available from prior commitments (including a county pledge) to build water infrastructure to the pipe laydown yard property. The RDA said the fast path to service the site is to utilize Beckley Water, with bids expected in March and anticipated construction in spring.
Meadow River Rail Trail: RDA reported a congressional directed spending request submitted by Senator Justice for approximately $3.2 million (roughly $204,150,000 in property acquisition line‑items was listed in the application text; transcript discussion reflected estimated acquisition and construction costs) to acquire property and complete design and construction for phase 4 to connect to the National Recreation Area. The RDA said inclusion in the senator’s submission is a positive step, though final outcomes depend on the federal budget.
Wolf Creek Park: The RDA said it is in active, confidential negotiations with potential housing developers and is preparing a capital stack to present to the commission; staff requested an executive session to discuss proprietary negotiation details.
