In a significant push to promote outdoor recreation and boost local economies, Governor Josh Stein announced over $11 million in Great Trails State Program grants for projects in Western North Carolina. These grants, authorized by the General Assembly, aim to foster tourism, encourage healthy living, and elevate the quality of life in the region, particularly as it recovers from Hurricane Helene's impacts, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Supporting small businesses during their week-long tour of the mountainous region, Governor Stein and First Lady were seen showcasing Western North Carolina's offerings. "As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, this funding for trails will help local communities increase tourism, promote healthy living, and improve quality of life for all North Carolinians," Governor Stein reflected on the importance of the grants for local communities. Pamela B. Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, lauded the economic and tourism benefits trails bring to both urban and rural settings, with the N.C. General Assembly's funding poised to transform the state's trail system substantially, as per the Office of the Governor.
Over 70 local projects statewide are set to receive grants, with 37 specific projects in Western North Carolina sharing $11,162,342. Allocated initiatives range from designing Alleghany County's first greenway to expanding the New River Paddle Trail and improving regional trails. Palmer McIntyre of the N.C. Great Trails State Coalition credited the General Assembly's vision and dedication to trail development across the state in his thanks, promising economic, health, and quality-of-life benefits for small and large communities alike.
The competitive grant program, with a requirement for matched funds based on applicants' county tier designation, attracted 89 applications seeking $28 million in funding. However, only 79 projects were chosen, amassing over $44.5 million in matching funds, culminating in an aggregate investment of more than $69.3 million in trails. Highlighting outdoor recreation, Governor Stein and VisitNC collaborated to launch "Rediscover the Unforgettable" to spur tourism and support local businesses, punctuated by the initiative's announcement at the Chimney Rock State Park reopening, according to the Office of the Governor.
Disbursements to beneficiaries ranged from the construction of new trails, such as the Riverside Park Expansion in Buncombe County, to critical repairs and maintenance like the Shelby R.A.I.L. project in Cleveland County. A detailed list of Western North Carolina grant recipients and their specific awards illuminated the diverse array of projects aimed at enhancing the experience and accessibility of the region's scenic trails for residents and visitors alike.
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}