County approves ARPA reallocation to finish Needles Eye trail work; project total $1.03 million
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Summary
The commission approved reallocating previously committed ARPA funds to a Fayette County Park trail project (Needles Eye) totaling $1,029,947; AR funding and local matches were detailed and staff emphasized a December 2026 ARPA expenditure deadline.
A project presenter on behalf of the Needles Eye/Fayette County Park trail team briefed commissioners on the project scope and budget and asked for a reallocation of previously approved ARPA funds.
The presenter said the project proposes approximately seven miles of new trail in Fayette County Park, improvements to the Needles Eye trailhead and design work for a pedestrian bridge to be pursued as a secondary phase. Total project cost was presented as $1,029,947. Funding sources reported at the meeting: Appalachian Regional Commission $685,963; Fayette County Commission contribution $293,984; City of Oak Hill $50,000.
Staff noted the county’s ARPA allocation is time‑sensitive and must be spent by Dec. 2026. Commissioners concluded the reallocation is consistent with the original purpose (trails) and voted to approve the requested change so the engineering contract and next design steps can proceed.
