11/2/2009
Fayette County Extension, West Virginia’s Newest Scenic ByWay
FAYETTE COUNTY EXTENSION OF THE COAL HERITAGE TRAIL DESIGNATED AS WEST VIRGINIIA’S NEWEST NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
On October 16, 20099, U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced 42 new designations to the America’s Byways® collection, including five All-American Roads and 37 National Scenic Byways in 26 states. This increases the number of America’s Byways® to 151. Among those designated was the Fayette County Extension of the Coal Heritage Trail. This portion of the Coal Heritage Trail travels along Route 16 from the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to Chimney Corner where it intersects with the Midland Trail and then travels to Ansted and south on Route 19 crossing over the New River Gorge Bridge. First designated as a state Scenic Byway in 1994, the Coal Heritage Trail winds through mountains and valleys showcasing America's remarkable industrial heritage. The region commemorates the history and culture of the coal industry and the impact it has had on the physical and social environment. Numerous resources line the corridor, including coal company towns, tipples, railroad structures and reclaimed mining lands. Attending the designation ceremony in Washington DC were representatives of the Coal Heritage Highway Authority, Christy Bailey, Executive Director and Dr. Fred Barkey, Chairman and Karen Ebert Allen, State Scenic Byways Coordinator with the WV Department of Transportation.
Created in 1991, the National Scenic Byways program is a collaborative effort to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.
|
|