in the Greenbrier State Forest at their latest meeting. (Photo GVORBA.org)
By Dakota Baker
The Greenbrier County Commission met on May 26 for its regularly scheduled meeting, and approved several Arts and Recreation fund transfers related to the Meadow River Trail, including $2,321.25 for engineering services eligible for AML reimbursement, $7,500 for mowing expenses, and $2,360 for consulting services partially reimbursable through AML and TAC grants. The transfers total $12,181.25 and will be moved from the savings account to the checking account to cover the invoices.
The Commission also considered a funding request for the Greenbrier State Forest Trails Project through the White Sulphur Springs Tax Increment Financing (WSS TIF) program. Representatives requested matching funds for an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Grant that will support the development of approximately 20 miles of new trails within Greenbrier State Forest.
The Greenbrier Valley Off-Road Biking Association (GVORBA) sought an assessment, design, and construction planning services for approximately 20 miles of multi-use and mountain bike optimized trails in the Greenbrier State Forest near WSS. The field design was based off of design work provided by International Mountain Biking Association Trail Solutions in the Lewisburg/White Sulphur Springs Trails Master Plan from June 2023. Project partners include GVORBA and the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.
“There is a desire for quality natural surface trails and more opportunities for youth in the Greenbrier County cities of Lewisburg and WSS. Trail additions in Greenbrier State Forest will focus on trail suitable for youth and new riders while offering more progressive trails to advance on,” states documents submitted to the Commission. “These include multi-use trails in the Hart’s Run Road corridor and the Kate’s Mountain Road corridor. There are two mountain bike trail zones east of Hart’s Run Road in the vicinity of the existing trails of Twin Pines, The Holler, and Black Bear.”
As part of the grant’s matching requirement, $500,000 was requested from WSS TIF funds, with an additional $200,000 to be applied toward the match, bringing the total local match commitment to $700,000. A motion was made to use $500,000 from the TIF funds for a match if the other grant applications were to be approved, this motion passed.
Next, the Commission considered the award of allocations for the 2026–2027 fiscal year Arts and Recreation grants. A motion was made and approved to allocate $387,431.46 to fund eligible Arts and Recreation grant applications for the upcoming fiscal year. Award notification letters will be sent to the recipients.
The Commission also considered the reappointment of a member to the Greenbrier County Airport Authority. A motion was made and approved to reappoint Mike Rose to the Authority for an additional five year term.
Lastly, the Commission certified the results of the 2026 Primary Election. A motion was made and approved to certify the election results, and the commissioners formally signed the certification documents.
