Jefferson SWCD pursues $630,000 grant for Piney Fork Trail project

The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District’s program manager, Aaron Dodds, appeared before county commissioners Oct. 1 to announce the district is applying for an Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant.

The program is run through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Dodds said the district is requesting $630,000 for the Piney Fork Trail project, which is estimated at $1,349,874. The grant would be matched by $719,874 from the Jefferson County commissioners, American Electric Power, the American Rescue Plan Act and private donors.

“The AMLER grant that we are asking you to support with a letter of support is for the Piney Fork Preserve and Trail Project,” Dodds said.

The proposed five-mile trail would extend from Piney Fork in Jefferson County to Hopedale in Harrison County along an old rail corridor. Dodds said plans also include revitalizing the old Roosevelt Inn and Piney Fork into a small museum and event space, as well as acquiring property on the north side of Route 151 to connect to Bakers Addition in Hopedale.

Dodds noted the district was unsuccessful in securing the grant last year but is trying again. Commissioner Dustin Corder read a letter of support on behalf of the board, which was unanimously approved.

“This project represents a unique opportunity to bring economic vitality to Harrison County, particularly the village of Hopedale, while preserving and honoring our shared coal mining heritage,” Corder said.

According to background from an impact statement provided by Dodds, the Piney Fork rail line was built in 1902 and aided in the growth of schools, churches and social halls. But when coal mining declined, the Piney Fork community collapsed and never recovered.

Corder said the Piney Fork Trail would provide benefits similar to those of the Conotton Creek Trail.