2017 Annual Report

Regional Economic, Community and Tourism Development Projects Underway: Outdoor Recreation - Phase 2 8. Appalachian Trail Center: a. In 2015, the Town of Damascus was awarded funding for a downtown revitalization through a Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, in 2016, the town was awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission grant for the development of a downtown “river walk” including public facilities and amenities. The Appalachian Trail Center, a POWER-funded project, is a destination center at the heart of these other two projects. It will serve as an orientation point for visitors drawn to the town. It will provide a destination to give visitors direction and ideas for the many recreational activities and hospitality offerings available to them during their stay. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will be responsible for programming and staffing the center once constructed. Project Completion Date: December 2019 9. Spearhead Trails – 3 Trail Technicians: a. Funding was allocated to support the employment of three Trail Technicians for two years with Spearhead Trails. This funding provides additional support to the Haysi to Breaks Trail project. These trail technicians will be working directly on the construction of the proposed trail and then on its maintenance once complete. They are currently working on the development and upkeep of other hiking and biking trails in Southwest Virginia. Project Completion Date: December 2018