HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 89

(By Delegates Fehrenbacher, Howell, Dittman, DeVault, E. Pritt, Ferrell, Nestor, Green, Campbell, Williams, and Street)

[Introduced February 23, 2024; referred to the Committee on Rules]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the non-motorized trail networks that exist or could be developed within West Virginia.

Whereas, The Legislature finds that studying the existing, non-motorized trail networks and investigating the possibility of trails that may be developed would benefit West Virginia; and

Whereas, Consideration should be given to identifying existing trails, including walking, paddling, and non-motorized bike riding, among others; and

Whereas, Information should be gathered concerning the gaps in the interconnection between major existing trails; and

Whereas, Consideration should be given to the possible economic impact of such trails with the transportation modes, specifically non-motorized, that are utilized and reference should be made to comparable economic impact results or studies for other trails in the nation; and

Whereas, Consideration should be given to identifying the type of amenities that would increase the economic impact for trail networks; and

Whereas, An assessment of the timeline that could be achieved to build out the network based on documented financial support should be included in the timeline assumptions; and

Whereas, Investigation of possible connections of trails that are within 10 miles of a state border, including trails crossing into other states could help foster interstate cooperation; and

Whereas, Estimates of the ongoing cost to maintain the network should be compiled; and

Whereas, Consideration should be given to varied funding mechanisms that are utilized to fund trail networks in other states; and

Whereas, Any and all other topics that are germane to the subject of non-motorized intra-state and interstate trail networks should be considered in the study.

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the non-motorized trail networks that exist or could be developed within West Virginia; and be it

Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report to its findings, conclusions, and recommendations along with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations during the Regular Session of the Legislature in 2024; and be it

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