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July 1, 2007

Funds sought for rail trail, courthouse

By Sherree Casper

Martinsburg (West Virginia) Journal

BERKELEY SPRINGS — A visit by staffers from the office of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., provided Morgan County commissioners with the perfect opportunity Friday to ask for funding for the Western Maryland Rail Trail, as well as the future courthouse for the county, which is expected to cost about $13 million.

Morgan County Commissioners Glen R. Stotler, Tommy Swaim and Brenda Hutchinson as well as Paw Paw Mayor Julie Kidwell met with Nora K. Martin and Keith R. McIntosh, projects assistants for Byrd to discuss the rail trail, the construction of which is being held up by an environmental impact study that is expected to cost $700,000. Morgan County Delegate Daryl Cowles, R-Morgan, and county Administrator Bill Clark were also on hand for the meeting.

Stotler said a portion of the Western Maryland Rail Trail from Ft. Frederick to Pearre in Maryland has been completed, but Kidwell said she hopes funding can be obtained to bring the trail 14 miles westward from Pearre to Paw Paw in western Morgan County.

“This isn’t a new project, it’s been on the table for a long time,” said Stotler.

According to a brochure from Western Maryland Rail Trail Supporters, the current 22-mile paved hiking/biking trail features six high trestle bridges and three tunnels.

A $1 million earmark for the trail did not materialize, said Stotler, who called the trail a vital asset to the county, both “economically” and “recreationally” when it is completed.

Martin said the information about the trail and funding request would be taken back to the senator for consideration.

Since U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is attempting to secure $1.6 million in appropriations now before Congress for help constructing a new courthouse, Stotler said any money Byrd could earmark for the project would be helpful too.

Stotler said another $4 million is still needed for the project.

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