HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 60

(By Delegates Howell, Clark, Petitto, Dittman, Ferrell, Hornby, E. Pritt, Hanna, Cannon, Thorne, and W. Hall)

February 27, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the economic and tourism impacts creating a cross state biking and hiking trail.

Whereas, The existing Carpendale West Virginia Rail Trail connects to the C&O Canal which is within 1.5 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail head. Using the Carpendale connection to the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage would put Carpendale at the confluence of three great trail systems creating opportunities for economic development and tourism; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the economic  and tourism impacts creating a cross state biking and hiking trail, including (1) studying a path to connect Carpendale to the Allegheny Highlands Trail, (2) studying a path to connect the Allegheny Highlands Trail to Elk River Trail, and (3) estimating the tourism impact of this roughly 270 mile rail trail through the state, (4) exploring trail extensions, trail spurs and connections to other trail system throughout West Virginia and neighboring states to maximize economic impact, (5) exploring adding mountain biking spur trails to existing trails to promote further recreation, (6) exploring the effectiveness of the existing trail authorities and how they work together to maximize their effect, (7) exploring the states interaction with these trail authorities and how it can be improved, and (8) exploring the advertising of West Virginia’s hiking and biking trails; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2024, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with information gathered by the task force; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft any necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.