Randolph County Development Authority to Begin 'Rail-Trail Conne - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

Randolph County Development Authority to Begin 'Rail-Trail Connector'

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By Krista Baker, General Assignment Reporter - bio | email

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ELKINS -

The Randolph County Development Authority soon will start work on the Allegheny Highlands rail trail connector.

The Division of Highways has given notice to proceed with the trail from its current position along Route 219 to the Elkins rail yard.

This last stretch will add about a mile to the 25 mile long trail.

"The trail has been constructed from where it starts out at Highland Park since 2001, and we have been hoping and waiting to get this final section completed for such a long time," said Karen Carper, president of the Highlands Trail Foundation.

The Highlands Trail Foundation was organized in 1995.

The Randolph County Development Authority will have a stakeholder meeting, then begin the bidding phase for architects to make the design.

"It adds to the recreational tourism of the area, it will complete the Allegheny Highlands trail from Elkins to Parsons," said Robbie Morris, executive director of the Randolph County Development Authority. "It will provide a safe and scenic route all the way from Elkins to Parsons."

The rail trail will be built with three main goals: to be safe, scenic, and accessible.

The West Virginia Division of Highways is providing a match for the grant, which is about $950,000 for the build.