Belmont County Captina Watershed Will Benefit from Rural Recreation Planning Grant
Barnesville and Powhatan Point Will Bookend the Project
WASHINGTON— On Tuesday, in support of the Trump Administration’s Make America Beautiful Commission goals, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Denali Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission announced the selection of 25 small and rural communities from across the country that will receive assistance to grow their outdoor recreation economies through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program.
One of those communities is Belmont County where a consortium focused on the Captina Creek Watershed from its headwaters at Barnesville to Powhatan Point where the scenic creek empties into the Ohio River, will work to develop and improve rural tourism opportunities.
“Belmont County, Ohio: The Community Improvement Corporation of Belmont County and community partners plan to support small businesses and help them tap into the outdoor recreation economy, revitalize main streets and improve sidewalk and trail connectivity between communities in the county, engage young people in the community, and draw tourists to enjoy the county’s outdoor recreation and downtown amenities,” the grant release states.
Belmont CIC Director Crystal Lorimor pulled together the parties that represent village and school officials, downtown business supporters, biking enthusiasts and land conservation advocates.
Of the grant, Chris Bryan, Councilman, Village of Powhatan Point said, “We are honored to be selected for the EPA’s RERC program. This is a vital step and great opportunity for both Powhatan Point and Barnesville, Ohio. The ability for local municipalities to partner up to grow their outdoor recreational space is an incredible advantage. This is only possible because of programs like this as well as our partnerships with local agencies like the Community Improvement Corporation of Belmont County (CIC) as well as our residents and local businesses.”
“Together, we’re teaming up to create a bold, community-driven plan to grow our outdoor recreation economy, strengthen both our communities, and celebrate the natural beauty that makes Southeast Ohio so special. We’ll work alongside local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape a shared vision that: promotes healthy and active lifestyles, connects people to parks, trails, rivers, and natural spaces, while honoring our heritage. It’s about building a future that works for everyone,” Jake Hershberger, Barnesville Village Mayor said of the opportunity.
The local grant is one of 25 nationwide selected for the program. Other regional grantees include the Oil Region in Pennsylvania, Kentucky’s Floyd County and Pendleton County, Kentucky.
“Outdoor recreation is a powerful economic engine for gateway communities, one that starts on the trail but ends on Main Street,” said acting Associate Chief of the Forest Service Chris French. “As members of the communities we serve, we see firsthand how important it is to put local leaders in the driver’s seat to connect natural assets with economic opportunity.”
Communities were chosen following a comprehensive interagency review process from a pool of 200 applicants.
The small and rural communities are planning to undertake a variety of revitalization projects which include:
- Building new trail systems.
- Connecting main streets with nearby outdoor recreation amenities.
- Increasing access to outdoor activities for all residents and visitors.
- Strengthening outdoor recreation businesses.
- Building a resilient outdoor recreation economy to withstand disasters, ensuring stable economic vitality.
- Cleaning up and repurposing vacant properties and buildings.
- Creating new parks and recreation amenities.
Please visit the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities webpage to view the list of selected communities and projects.
A federal team will partner with each community to guide planning and strengthen local capacity. Participants will work together to develop strategies and specific actions to meet their goals.
The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program – jointly administered through an interagency partnership – helps rural communities leverage outdoor recreation to revitalize their main streets, leading to economic growth, improved environmental protection and public health outcomes. Communities are encouraged to pursue activities that foster development and revitalization and support conservation efforts.
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