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WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
2024 REGULAR SESSION
Introduced
Senate Bill 426
By Senators Woodrum, Deeds, and Takubo
[Introduced January 12, 2024; referred
to the Committee on Outdoor Recreation]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §17-31-1, §17-31-2, §17-31-3, §17-31-4, §17-31-5, and §17-31-6, all relating to enacting the West Virginia Recreational Trails Development Act; providing definitions; requiring the Department of Transportation to prioritize design and construction of recreational trails in the state; assigning duties to the department for development, maintenance, and funding; establishing reporting requirements; and setting an effective date.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
This article may be cited as the West Virginia Recreational Trails Development Act.
For the purposes of this article:
(a) "Department" means the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
(b) "Recreational trail" means a thoroughfare or track across land or snow, used for recreational purposes such as bicycling, day hiking, equestrian activities, jogging or running, trail biking, greenway, and mountain biking.
(a) The department shall prioritize the design and construction of non-motorized recreational trails in West Virginia.
(b) The department shall develop a comprehensive plan for the development of recreational trails in consultation with local governments, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.
(c) The department shall ensure that the design and construction of recreational trails are carried out in a timely manner.
The department shall seek federal funding and grants available for recreational trail development and maintenance.
The department shall submit an annual report to the Legislature on the progress of recreational trail development.
This article takes effect on July 1, 2024.
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