Gov. Glenn Youngkin is recommending that the Appalachian Regional Commission commit $1.3 million to support the Hurricane Helene Outdoor Recreation Recovery Planning Project.
The initiative is aimed at coming up with an assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to outdoor recreation assets in the Appalachian region, with detailed cost estimates, and a strategic plan for rebuilding critical infrastructure among the ultimate goals.
“Our outdoor recreation areas are the heart of Virginia’s Appalachian region, driving tourism, supporting local businesses, and offering residents a place to connect with nature,” Youngkin said. “This funding request to the Appalachian Regional Commission is a crucial step in rebuilding and strengthening these assets after Hurricane Helene, helping our communities recover swiftly and continue to thrive.”
The impacts of Hurricane Helene include damage to the Virginia Creeper Trail, the New River Trail and Claytor Lake, and storm-related debris buildup, bank erosion, and damage to boat ramps along the Clinch River and New River.
Many recreational areas are also dealing with downed trees, washed-out trails, and hazardous conditions, creating significant challenges for restoration efforts and safe public access.
The project will target 17 counties and four independent cities in Virginia’s ARC region that were included in the governor’s Virginia Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Helene.
“Hurricane Helene has had a major impact on many of our communities, but through strategic planning and investment, we can accelerate recovery and provide a brighter future for Virginia’s Appalachian region,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said. “ARC’s support is essential to restoring our outdoor recreation assets, which are critical not only to our local economies but also to the spirit and resilience of our communities.”
The recovery project, led by Friends of Southwest Virginia, is designed to support a timely and effective recovery, restoring safe access to trails, parks, and other outdoor resources that drive tourism and economic growth in the region.
Friends of Southwest Virginia will work closely with relevant planning district commissions to conduct thorough assessments, provide precise cost analysis, and develop a comprehensive rebuild strategy, including preliminary construction drawings.
“This recovery planning effort is crucial for the long-term resilience of our outdoor recreation assets in Virginia’s Appalachian region,” said Bryan Horn, director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. “With the support of ARC, we can develop a comprehensive plan to restore these assets quickly and effectively, supporting both economic recovery and community well-being.”
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Chris Graham
