Blue Creek
Rails to Trails!
See also the West
Virginia Rails-to-Trails Council Trail Listing. This
is real!
Index
January 2009 – Trestle Trail Funding Received!
April
2008 –
February
2008 –Grant application and fund-raising are underway!
October
2007 – Summary of the Blue Creek project
August
2007 –
July 26,
2007 – Dr. Lilley goes to Washington
July 15, 2007 – Rails-to-Trails at the 25th
August 18, 2006 -
Update – January 2009 –
Click here to see the
Trestle Trail brochure, with map and
everything…!
Also
Google –Trestle Trail
Here’s the article, with thanks
to Jim O’Dell:
Trestle project gets
grants, needs more; city seeks another $250K
With a
new $100,000 federal grant, a promised $2 million earmark and earlier
commitments for about $1.3 million, backers of the proposed Kanawha Trestle
Trail project on Monday reached out for still more money.
By Jim Balow
Staff writer
CHARLESTON,
W.Va. - With a new $100,000 federal grant, a promised $2 million earmark and
earlier commitments for about $1.3 million, backers of the proposed Kanawha
Trestle Trail project on Monday reached out for still more money.
Charleston
City Council members approved a resolution Monday that calls for Mayor Danny
Jones to sign a $250,000 Transportation Enhancement grant application.
The
application seeks to tap the same source - federal "TE" funds - that
provided $100,000 late last year, said Dennis Strawn, a
spokesmen for the group that has been pushing the project for several
years.
Members
of Friends of the Kanawha Trestle Trail hope to convert the 100-year-old
abandoned railroad trestle that crosses the
Phase two
of the project includes conversion of a second bridge, the old Whipple railroad
bridge over the
The
friends group is awaiting word from
"I
can't even begin to speculate about that," Strawn said Monday. He
previously suggested the earmark might stand a better chance of success under a
Democratic administration.
Strawn
told members of council's Finance Committee that state Highways officials
notified him about the $100,000 TE grant on Nov. 21.
Each year
the Division of Highways divides up a pool of federal TE money to projects
across the state. "We're going back to ask for more," he said.
"It's
an ongoing process. The $250,000 will get us off the trestle and into the
Previously,
the group secured $800,000 in federal funds through Rep. Shelley Capito, R-W.Va.; a $475,000
commitment from the city; and about $100,000 from other sources, he said.
Also this year, using a $50,000 state participation grant
secured by
Update - April 2008 from
Dennis Strawn
Note: We have asked Dennis if the abandonment
could actually be a positive move,
giving time for funding to get into place and be ready for a
later transfer of the right-of-way…
We have invited Randy Allio
of Rails-to-Trails to our July, 2008 reunion to give us the latest word
Fellow
trail supporters,
If you
are receiving this email it is because you have shown support for
creating a rail trail on Blue Creek.
Unfortunately at this time the
potential for the trail will not be realized.
Norfolk
Southern Railroad is withdrawing the Blue Creek abandonment request
with the
notify if this situation changes to our benefit.
Thanks so
much for the help and encouragement everyone has given.
Take care
Dennis
Strawn
304-347-7703
From:
Moon, John T.
To: dennis strawn
Cc: Paschall, James R.; Headrick,
Kathy, C; Kirchner, Marc C.
Subject:
RE: Blue Creek Abandonment extension request
Dennis,
This
pending transaction is reasonably certain.
If it fails to be
completed successfully and NS re-files and abandonment proceeding,
your
group can file for a NITU at that time.
Given the
various projects that your group is pursuing, I suggest
redirecting the grants toward the
John
-----Original
Message-----
From: dennis strawn
Sent:
To: Moon,
John T.
Cc: Paschall, James R.; Headrick,
Kathy, C; Kirchner, Marc C.
Subject:
RE: Blue Creek Abandonment extension request
John,
Unfortunate for us and the local communities.
There was a lot of momentum
building for this the past few months. Maybe a year too late. The Elk
River
Rails to Trails Foundation will wait and see how this unfolds and see
what the future brings.
Is this transfer
for certain? I would like to notify the
state about this
change in status because they are going through the review process
for
grant funding that we had applied for.
If possible I would like to notify
the appropriate persons. We may
still have a chance to keep this grant
money within the area and see it used on other local projects. But I do
not want to be premature with my information.
Also, if we don't file
the request but NSR does in the future proceed with
abandonment will the Elk River Rails to Trails Foundation be able to
seek
NITU at that time?
Thanks
for all your help and cooperation with this project. We have
learned a lot and even though this trail may not become a reality
we can
use our knowledge to hopefully bring trails and recreational spaces to
other communities.
Dennis
Strawn
-----Reply
Message-----
From:
Moon, John T.
To: dennis strawn
Cc: Paschall, James R.; Headrick,
Kathy, C; Kirchner, Marc C.
Subject:
RE: Blue Creek Abandonment extension request
Dennis:
I think
the line is going to be transferred to an operating railroad
company and that the abandonment filing is to be withdrawn. For
this
reason, I think that the prudent course of action is to not file
an
extension request at this time.
If you
have any questions, feel free to call.
John
-----Original
Message-----
From: dennis strawn
Sent:
To: Moon,
John T.
Subject:
RE: Blue Creek Abandonment extension request
John,
Can this
be extended again? You mentioned back in
January that NSR may not
proceed with the abandonment.
Can you advise on our options?
Thanks
Dennis
Strawn
Brief
Update – February, 2008, from Dennis Strawn
The trail
idea is moving along fine. The county
submitted a Transportation
Enhancement
grant for $300,000 and the Elk River Rails to Trails Foundation
is submitting a Recreational Trails grant for $80,000. We have raised
$20,000
for our needed match for the grants and this amount covers it. We
are also requesting budget funds through our Kanawha County Delegation for
appraisal and design work. We
also have a great need for unrestricted
funds to produce marketing material.
In
December Michael Baker Jr. performed a preliminary tunnel and bridge
assessment. He did this pro
bono and did very nice work. Found out
that
a few of the last bridges are in various stages of failure so we may
shorten the trail for now.
Other than that no surprises were found and the
conditions are such that only minor repair and rehabilitation will
need to
be performed to have residents using the trail.
We have
an appraiser lined up to perform the appropriate work in the next
month or so.
One
surprise we did find out was NS is not selling the right of way from
the mouth of Blue Creek. They are
selling from the entrance to the first
tunnel which is about 1 mile up Blue Creek. I confirmed this with NS. We
found out when tax maps were being prepared for the grants. We were
extremely upset a month
ago. We have calmed down a little and we
figured
out how to make it still work. The
trail head will be in Quick now with
access in both directions.
October, 2007 – Complete Summary with
updates
Blue Creek Rail Trail Project
In August 2006 the Rails to Trails
Conservancy notified local interested parties that Norfolk Southern (NS)
Railroad had applied to the Surface Transportation Board (
For the complete
The Elk River Rails to Trails Foundation (ERRTF) contacted NS and found out they are willing to work with the community to acquire the right of way for public trail use. NS has asked for an appraisal so that purchase negotiations can begin.
The Details
Blue Creek is located 10 miles
north of
The watershed had a vibrant history of coal mining, oil and gas extraction and timbering. Today the watershed is dotted with numerous homes, a few stores and churches. Currently oil and gas activities are on the upswing.
Key features include 2 tunnels on the route and well as about 10 bridges where the tracks cross Blue
Creek or other feeder streams. The
potential rail trail, though it would pass numerous homes, is predominately rural
and would be extremely isolated in places and would allow a user a wonderful
escape from urban life. Numerous small
communities are encountered along the way: Blue Creek, Three Mile, Victor,
Schrader,
The watershed is suitable for
fishing, canoeing, bird watching, hiking, bicycling and equestrians
activities. In the winter months cross
country skiing would be available too since this area of
An interesting feature of this
trail is the potential to link
What’s been done
Discussions with Congresswoman Capito’s office have taken place. The congresswoman is very supportive and
wants to be kept informed of the progress on the project. Kanawha County Delegate Tim Armstead, representing this area, has been informed.
ERRTF hosted a driving tour of the rail right of way. Present were representatives from the National Park Service, Rails to Trails Conservancy, West Virginia Department Environmental Protection and WVDOH Trails program. All were encouraged to the potential for a very interesting trail.
ERRTF presented plans for the trail at the 25th year Carbide Camp Reunion. Robert Lilley, one of the reunion organizers, and other former Carbiders are extremely interested in helping this project succeed. Mr. Lilley has since discussed this project with the Rails to Trails Conservancy and the National Park Service, further raising the exposure for this tremendous project.
ERRTF has approached the Capitol Conservation District (CCD) to be a fiscal sponsor for any grant funding we are successful in obtaining. The CCD was open and receptive to the trail idea. The subcommittee formed to explore their options has voted to approve acting as fiscal agent for seeking grants for this project.
After conversations with Bill
Robinson, WV State Trail Coordinator, it has been suggested that ERRTF submit
requests for both Transportation Enhancement (TE) and Recreational Trails grant
programs for the 2008 funding cycle.
Deadlines are
ERRTF was asked to make a
presentation to the Central West
Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau.
We explained the potential for the trail and were successful in
receiving a grant for $10,000.00 to use as matching funds if our TE and Rec Trail grants are successful.
ERRTF made a presentation to the West Virginia State Rail Authority. ERRTF asked WVSRA to consider helping the project by railbanking the right of way under WV laws. They agreed to help ERRTF by purchasing the right of way, with funds ERRTF or others provide, and leasing the right of way as a recreational trail.
Though many supportive comments have been fielded for the Blue Creek Rail Trail project one negative aspect that has come up a few times is the flooding problem caused by debris caught in the bridge structures. This debris, mostly woody materials and some trash, has been accumulating on the upstream side of these structures every year since the railroad ceased active operations over 20 years ago. Our strong belief is that with the development of the trail these bridges will be cleaned of debris and will be maintained in the future to minimize this problem.
Please join us in supporting this outstanding trail project for the local residents and others who will come to this trail to enjoy the scenery, to exercise, or get away from busy urban life.
For more info contact: Randy Allio
Chairman,
304-344-1885
Hi
everyone,
The
Elk River Rail to Trails Foundation reps, Randy and I, met with the Capitol
Conservation District (CCD) this morning. The meeting went well. The CCD had some questions about the bridges
on the right of way. They did agree to
form a committee and meet again Oct 3 to discuss becoming involved with the
project.
I
have attached a summary of the project for your review.
Thanks
Dennis
Strawn
Application
Developer II
304-347-7703
Summary
Blue Creek is located 10 miles north of
The watershed had a vibrant history of coal mining, oil and
gas extraction and timbering. Today the
watershed is dotted with numerous homes, a few stores and churches. Currently oil and gas activities are on the
upswing.
The potential rail trail, though it would
pass numerous homes, is predominately rural and would be extremely isolated in
places and allow a user a wonderful escape from urban life. There are 2 tunnels on the route and well as
about 10 bridges where the tracks cross Blue Creek or other feeder
streams. Numerous small communities are
encountered along the way: Blue Creek, Three Mile, Victor, Schrader,
The watershed is suitable for fishing, canoeing, bird
watching, hiking, bicycling and equestrians activities. In the winter months cross country skiing
would be available too since this area of
An interesting feature of this trail is the potential to
link
Time Line
August 2006 – Rails to Trails Conservancy notified
interested parties that Norfolk Southern (NS) Railroad had applied to the
Surface Transportation Board (
August 2006 – Dennis Strawn contacted NS and found out they
are willing to work with the Elk River Rails to Trails Foundation (ERRTF) to
acquire the right of way for trail public use.
August 1006 – Dennis Strawn met with
Jeff Hutchinson – Director, KCPR
Tom Rader – KCPR
Bill Robinson – West
Discussion revolved around the county parks not having
money to embark on the development of a new park in
September 2006 – ERRTF petitioned the
October 2006 –
October 2006 – Talked with Bill Robinson and Jim Hudson
(DOH, trail coordinators) about funding possibilities. They are encouraged about the potential for
funding this worth while project.
November 2006 – Randy Allio,
Chairman of ERRTF, and Dennis Strawn talked with Roger Lipscomb, president of TracSpec Railroad Corporation, to find an appraiser.
December 2006 – Randy Allio and
Dennis Strawn hosted a tour of the right way.
Five hours were spent walking the tracks and talking to local
residents. The following persons
attended:
Peggy Pings – National Park Service
Kelly Pack – Rails to Trails Conservancy
Dennis Stottlemyer – West
Virginia Department Environmental Protection
Jim Hudson – Community Development Specialist, DOH Trails
program
January 2007 – Currently looking
for a fiscal sponsor to pursue funding for this wonderful project.
March 2007 – ERRTF mailed letter to the
March 2007 - Robert Lilley and friends, all former Carbiders are extremely interested in helping this project
succeed. They will be in town July 13-15
for the 25th anniversary celebrating the Carbide Camps.
April 2007 – Major Tim Mewes, WV
Air Nat’l Guard has expressed interest in lending his support and expertise for
the project.
July 2007 – Randy Allio, Marty Weirick and Dennis Strawn presented plans for the trail at
the 25th year Carbide Camp Reunion.
Robert Lilley has spoken with National Rails to Trails and the National
Park Service on behalf of this project.
Aug 2007 – Randy and Dennis gave a presentation to the
Capitol Conservation District. The CCD
was open and receptive to the trail idea.
They agreed to form a subcommittee to explore their options on being a
fiscal agent for seeking Transportation Enhancement (TE) grants. There was some concern about the bridges
causing flooding and we will need to address this issue because it seems to be
a valid one.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Pictures are below.
Bob and
Ellen Lilley visited in
Note that David brought some camps memorabilia
with him and will be scanning/sending for us. He said Tom would do the same.
Kelly
Pack, at
the national office of Rails-to-Trails, also offered the group’s support for Blue
Creek, and will be in touch with the local group (Randy, Dennis and Marty). She
had a brochure on the desk (more about that later, maybe) titled “Kanawha
Trestle Trail” – Do you suppose that could be a conversion of the old, old
railroad bridge across the Kanawha River east of Patrick Street? [Yes it is…] That trestle used to
carry street cars to
.
.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Three representatives of this organization were our guests
at the Reunion
2007
We heard Dennis Strawn, Randy Allio
and Marty Wierich discuss what might turn out to be the
most exciting recent development on the Creek!
Visit www.carbidecamps.net
often to see new information as we receive it.
Randy
Allio outlines Rails-to-Trails Activities and takes questions.
Randy
Rice and Dennis Strawn enjoy lunch and
Dennis “works the room”.
Randy
Allio and Marty Wierich join
in for lunch.