FOC Eyes Adapting Rail-Trail for ATV Use
Morgantown Dominion Post
19 January 2012
By Michelle Wolford
KINGWOOD — A Kingwood to Tunnelton rail-trail might be adapted for
ATV use, organizers said Tuesday.
Peggy Pings, of the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and
Conservation Assistance Program, is working with Friends of the
Cheat (FOC) on the trail, as well as an Upper Cheat River Water
Trail, and a rail-trail from Albright to Rowlesburg.
She told Preston County Commissioners on Tuesday she’ll assist FOC
in reapplying for an $80,000 grant from the state Department of
Transportation. The nonprofit was aw a rd e d the grant, but lost
it because it w a s n’ t used. Pings asked commissioners to write
a letter of support for the organization to reapply.
Amanda Pitzer, director of Friends of the Cheat, said the
organization has been working to secure land for the trails, and
favored non-motorized routes. But, Pings said, if there’s an ATV
group in existence or citizens interested in forming one, their
help would be appreciated. Commissioner Vicki Cole said the trail
is used primarily by ATV riders now.
Anyone interested in working on the project should contact the
commission at 304-329-1805.
Both trails lack a governing body willing to sign on as deed
holder, Pings said. FOC is looking for entities that are willing
to take on the responsibility. Dan Talbott, who worked for Marion
County Parks and Trails, said that the county has a trail that
runs to Shinnston. He said insurance and liability should not
dissuade those who might be interested.
Commissioners will consider a letter and resolution of support for
the grant application at their Jan. 30 meeting.