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Federal Thriving Communities program team outlines bike/ped plan, Salt Trail work for Smyth County
Summary
RCAP and partner organizations told the Smyth County Board that the county was selected for a USDOT-funded Thriving Communities cohort; work so far includes a needs assessment, a $100,000+ fundraising tally, a bicycle and pedestrian plan, stakeholder engagement, and Salt Trail planning to boost tourism and entrepreneurship.
Representatives of the federal Thriving Communities technical‑assistance program briefed the Smyth County Board of Supervisors on ongoing capacity‑building work funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau.
Amanda Levison and Olga Morales Pate (RCAP) described the county as one of roughly 20 rural communities selected for the program’s cohort. Amy Renner, RCAP community development senior program manager, and Deb Martin (Great Lakes Community Action Partnership) outlined the two‑year assistance plan that began with a needs assessment and led to a local work plan. Deb Martin said the work plan focuses on three priorities: developing a bicycle and pedestrian plan that supports economic development, growing entrepreneurship and tourism opportunities, and building public support and regional connections for the Salt Trail.
Speakers said the local effort includes stakeholder engagement (town halls, surveys, focus groups), a steering committee on trail and entrepreneurship planning, and pass‑through funding for consultants and grant writers; presenters reported that more than $100,000 had been raised so far and that consultants have been contracted to prepare the bike/ped plan and related grant materials. “We became one of 20 rural communities in our cohort to be selected for the Thriving Communities program,” a presenter said.
Board members thanked the presenters for the work and discussed next steps for connecting the plan to county priorities and grant applications. No formal board vote was required during the presentation; staff will continue coordination with RCAP and local partners on plan drafting and engagement.
