The New River Conservancy (NRC) has been awarded $500,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to create an action plan for improvements and expansions to the New River Water Trail in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. This project, developed in partnership with communities across the region, is designed to increase sustainable tourism, improve river infrastructure, and enhance visitor experiences throughout river-adjacent communities. The New River Action Plan aims to significantly advance regional outdoor economies by creating a multi-state water trail that stretches over 200 miles. Involving 20 counties, the plan will include a comprehensive river inventory, a branding strategy, best practices for maintenance, and shovel-ready design plans to create a single standard for river access across several types of facilities.
Andrew Downs, Executive Director of the New River Conservancy states: “In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it is critical to invest in the New River and the communities that rely on it. River-based recreation has always been an economic engine for North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Now, the NRC and our broad partnership look to super-charge the New river’s value and protection by connecting one of the longest, most scenic and most exciting water trails in the Country. This support from ARC, along with future public and private investment will allow the New River to be a centerpiece in the recovery of our region”.
Kevin Byrd, Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission stated in a letter of support: “Having a comprehensive water trail for North America’s oldest river, which also holds statuses of Wild and Scenic and American Heritage, will be a real boost for economic development. We are grateful to the many river partners who have worked and are working on sections of this project and are glad to join additional efforts with New River Conservancy.”
Funded through ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) program, this is ARC’s largest ARISE award package to date. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ARC has now invested $121.8 million in 46 ARISE projects to support the development of new economic opportunities across all 13 Appalachian states.
About the New River:
Stretching 320 miles, the New River supports multiple state, county and municipal parks, including the 57-mile long New River Trail state park in Virginia, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and a 27-mile long Wild and Scenic section in North Carolina managed by the New River State Park. The New was also designated as an American Heritage River by executive order in 1997 and flows through the heart of the Southern Appalachians. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, providing habitat for rare species such as the Eastern Hellbender Salamander and supporting one of the best fisheries in the country. With stunning scenery and class 1-5 whitewater, recreation on the New has long been a national attraction and an economic driver for all of the river’s adjacent communities.
About the New River Conservancy:
Founded in 1974 by a group of local, state and national advocates as the National Committee for the New River, the New River Conservancy’s mission is to protect the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River. Learn more at www.newriverconservancy.org.