Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the Appalachian Regional Commission announced a $500,000 grant to the Friends of Southwest Virginia for the Outdoor Recreation Investments for the Coalfields of Virginia project:

“The natural splendor of Southwest Virginia is one of our most compelling resources. I am pleased that ARC awarded this $500,000 grant to the Friends of Southwest Virginia for investments in outdoor recreation in the Coalfields. These funds will make it easier to access all that this beautiful part of our Commonwealth has to offer, and they will support new businesses and 54 new tourism jobs.”

Background

The $500,000 ARC grant, in addition to $200,000 in local funding, will go to developing access points to the Powell River in Lee County and the Pound River in Wise County, pump track parks in Big Stone Gap and Pound, and new multi-use trails in Dickenson County. Further, this money is in addition to the funding announced last month for improvements to the Cranes Nest Trail in Dickenson County.

Griffith has long been a supporter of ARC and its mission. He has testified and submitted letters expressing his support during the appropriations process and voted for ARC funding, including in fiscal year 2019’s Energy and Water House appropriations bill.

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