Benedum & Mellon, Pres Gee from WVU, and the federal reserve reps, plus EPA dollars and 3 MFT’s,
Outdoor recreation ranks among the nation’s largest economic sectors. In 2022, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that outdoor recreation generated an impressive $563.7 billion in economic output nationally, accounting for 2.2% of the total gross GDP that year. In 2023, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, “the outdoor recreation participant base grew 4.1% to a record 175.8 million participants: 57.3% of all Americans aged six and older.”
West Virginia has long been a favorite destination for those seeking to experience its exceptional natural beauty and world-class outdoor recreation assets. The Greenbrier Valley, with its distinctive topography and network of trails, offers unparalleled outdoor experiences. With even more users, new trail experiences are driving additional opportunities.
How a trail contributes to economic development
Trails can contribute significantly to communities and local economies. Trails and outdoor recreation areas boost tourism, drawing visitors who spend money on lodging, food, equipment, and other services, thus supporting local businesses and creating jobs. Additionally, trails enhance property values as proximity to these natural areas is highly desirable.
Beyond the economic benefits, trails and outdoor recreation promote physical and mental well-being, reducing healthcare costs by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Trails also foster a sense of community by providing spaces for social interaction and engagement with nature, which can lead to increased civic pride and environmental stewardship. Overall, the development and maintenance of trails and outdoor recreational spaces represents a sustainable investment in public health, economic growth, and community vitality.
Beyond the economic benefits, trails and outdoor recreation promote physical and mental well-being, reducing healthcare costs by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Trails also foster a sense of community by providing spaces for social interaction and engagement with nature, which can lead to increased civic pride and environmental stewardship. Overall, the development and maintenance of trails and outdoor recreational spaces represents a sustainable investment in public health, economic growth, and community vitality.
Greenbrier Valley EDC’s Work
Because of the importance of the outdoor industry to the region, our bountiful natural assets, and the positive impact of trails on quality of life, Greenbrier Valley EDC is proud to partner on a few great projects. Read on for more.
Allegheny Trail: This year the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association is celebrating a remarkable 50 years of trail stewardship in creating, maintaining and enhancing the Allegheny Trail, West Virginia’s longest hiking trail. The 300+ mile trail winds from the Mason Dixon line in Preston County through the eastern counties of WV and ends on Peters Mountain in Monroe County where it connects to the Appalachian Trail. The trail passes through all three of our Greenbrier Valley Counties.
In partnership with the WVSTA, the Greenbrier Valley EDC was recently awarded $250,000 through a Federal Land Access Program Grant. The grant will fund wayfinding signage identifying trail access points along roadways in Monroe, Greenbrier, and Pocahontas counties. Informational kiosks will be placed at the Seneca State Forest and at the Monongahela National Forest border. And the construction of a footbridge will allow for easier crossing at Beaver Creek. These efforts to help trail users navigate and find entry to the celebrated trail brings more traffic into the towns and shops that line the trail – places like the Mon Forest town of Durbin, WV.
To learn more and to help celebrate their 50th year of trail blazing – check out WVSTA’s Anniversary Celebration at the Greenbank Observatory
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This is the recommendation from the PSC for the new rates that will be charged at the landfill. The proposed Tariff is on page 19. The tipping fee would be $95 per ton (including the $8.75 Solid Waste Tax), and the tire recycling fee would be $210 per ton. No fee was recommended for recycling white goods (old appliances).
The SWA will not request any changes to the PSC’s recommendation.
We will not know the exact date when these rates will become effective until we receive the final approval from the PSC.
You might want to review this information with Mr. Feamster.
Read about Home Rule. (Look up police protection in Comp Plan)
- A municipality may apply to participate in the home rule program by submitting an initial Home Rule Plan (eight hard copies and one electronic copy) to the Municipal Home Rule Board at least 30 days before a Home Rule Board meeting. The Board typically meets quarterly, in January, April, July, and October.
- (4) Municipalities still face challenges delivering services required by federal and state law or demanded by their constituents; (5) Municipalities are sometimes restrained by state statutes, policies, and rules that challenge their ability to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a cost-effective, efficient, and timely manner; (6) Establishing the Municipal Home Rule Pilot Program as a permanent program is in the public interest; and (7) Increasing the powers and duties of the Municipal Home Rule Board, subject to the limitations set forth herein, will enhance the Municipal Home Rule Program.
(g) Prior to submitting its written plan, or an amendment to an existing approved written plan, to the board, the municipality shall: (1) Hold a public hearing on the written plan or the amendment to the existing approved written plan; (2) Provide notice of the public hearing at least 30 days prior to the public hearing by a Class II legal advertisement: Provided, That on or before the first day of publication, the municipality shall send a copy of the notice by certified mail to the Municipal Home Rule Board and the cabinet secretary of every state department; (3) Make a copy of the written plan or amendment available for public inspection at least 30 days prior to the public hearing; and (4) After the public
Used 8/01/24 for 8/8
This is the recommendation from the PSC for the new rates that will be charged at the landfill. The proposed Tariff is on page 19. The tipping fee would be $95 per ton (including the $8.75 Solid Waste Tax), and the tire recycling fee would be $210 per ton. No fee was recommended for recycling white goods (old appliances).
The SWA will not request any changes to the PSC’s recommendation.
We will not know the exact date when these rates will become effective until we receive the final approval from the PSC.