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Commission hears multi‑year rail‑trail and bridge timeline; approves abandoned‑mine grant application
Summary
County staff briefed commissioners on multi‑year rail‑trail work, bridge repair obstacles and environmental permitting; commissioners approved a resolution to apply for an Abandoned Mine Land economic revitalization grant for Phase 1 of the Route 19 master‑plan property.
Commissioners received an extended update on trail projects, bridge repairs and planning for connections from Shinston through Spelter and beyond, and they voted to authorize a grant application aimed at revitalizing a Route 19 property impacted by past mining activity.
Chad Biller (speaker identified in the transcript as speaking for project work) described the rail‑trail program as split into five sections because of abandoned mine workings and varying repair needs. He said four of the five sections could be candidates for intergovernmental transfer funding to the city of Shenston, and he warned some repairs — including mine‑work stabilization and a bridge over West Fork — would require lengthy environmental review and permitting, including potential Army Corps involvement. "It typically goes into the engineering division after you give it to the DOH, and it goes into a black hole," he said, urging political pressure and continued follow‑up to keep the work moving.
Staff told commissioners bids for the South and West Trails were expected to open Aug. 13, and that some trail sections could be completed this year if permitting and funding align. Commissioners debated options for routing around structurally problematic bridges, discussed trailhead siting near existing county facilities, and emphasized the need to coordinate with Clarksburg and the West Virginia Division of Highways.
On another front, the commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing application for the 2026 Abandoned Mine Land economic revitalization program to fund Phase 1 of the Route 19 master plan. Commissioners described the grant as "substantial" and intended for excavation and site preparation to make the property ready for structures and redevelopment.
No construction contracts were awarded at the meeting; staff were directed to pursue funding opportunities, provide cost estimates, and return with updates as permitting and design work progress.
