By Jina Belcher and Rachael Harper
For the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority
Beckley – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) will host U.S. Senator Jim Justice at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at its office at 200 Main Street, Beckley, W.Va., to announce $3.2 million in federal funding for Phase 4 of the Meadow River Rail Trail project. Additional details are below.
Who: U.S. Senator Jim Justice, Jina Belcher, Executive Director, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Matt Ford, Board of Directors, Meadow River Valley Association; and President, Greenbrier Environmental Group, Inc.
What: Announcement of a Federal Grant for Phase 4 of the Meadow River Rail Trail Project
When: 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026
Where: NRGRDA Office, 200 Main Street, Beckley, W.Va.
Phase 4 of the Meadow River Rail Trail will create a vital link connecting world-class outdoor recreation with surrounding communities, enhancing access to the Meadow River corridor and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. By extending the trail, residents and visitors alike will be able to seamlessly transition town centers to some of the region’s most beautiful outdoor recreation destinations. The expanded trail will offer new opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature observation, while also encouraging sustainable tourism and economic growth in nearby communities within the New River Gorge region.
The Meadow River corridor, known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems, will become more accessible, allowing people to more readily experience its forests, river views, and wildlife. Similarly, the Gauley River National Recreation Area, famous for its world-class whitewater and rugged landscapes, will be easier to reach without the need for motor vehicles. This improved connectivity will foster a stronger bond between the communities and their natural surroundings, promoting outdoor lifestyles and conservation efforts. Overall, the rail trail expansion is a transformative project that not only strengthens regional connectivity but also enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors by opening new pathways to adventure and natural discovery.
In addition to the grantee, NRGRDA, other supporting organizations include:
Greenbrier County Commission, Fayette County Commission, Nicholas County Commission, Meadow River Valley Association, Region 4 Planning and Development Council, National Park Service, New River Association of Climbers, Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, Greenbrier West High School, Plateau Action Network, Partner Community Capital, West Virginia State Parks, West Virginia Land Trust, West Virginia Department of Transportation, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, The Access Fund, and The Conservation Fund
Total cost of the project is $3.5 million. Senator Justice was able to secure $3.2 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
About New River Gorge Regional Development Authority: The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s (NRGRDA) mission is to initiate, facilitate and support the economic and community development efforts within the counties of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers. More can be found at https://nrgrda.org/
