Charleston Leader

The Boone County Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) has been awarded a $3.37 million Abandoned Mine Lands Grant. The funds will be used to prepare the site and add infrastructure for a new ATV resort at Indian Creek in Boone County.

• Boone County Community Development Corporation awarded $3.37 million grant

• Funding will prepare the site and add infrastructure for an ATV trail and resort at Indian Creek in Boone County

May 29, 2020 Madison, WV

During a virtual press conference on May 28, 2020, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced a $3.37 million Abandoned Mine Lands Grant to the Boone County Community Development Corporation. The funds were awarded to prepare the site and add infrastructure for a new ATV trail and resort at Indian Creek near Racine. This $6.9 million project is a partnership with local landowners and Hatfield McCoy Regional Recreation Authority.

“We are excited about this project and what it means for the people in Boone County. A trail development in this area has been in the works for 10 years. It’s going to be the start of something great for the people here and will bring money into the area” said Eddie Hendricks, Boone County Commission President and BCCDC Chairman

The project represents the great things that can happen when an entrepreneurial developer, landowners, and local, state, and federal agencies work together to design a plan that supports Southern West Virginia’s emerging tourism industry on lands that continue to be managed for coal, gas, and timber production. The net result will not only be more jobs in Boone County, but also improved recreational opportunities for local and out-of-state residents alike.

According to a 2019 Economic Impact Study by Marshall University, non-local visitor spending while visiting the Hatfield-McCoy Trails created a fiscal benefit to the State of more than $1.3 million. In 2019, 56,258 permits were sold with 85% from other states. Permit sales have grown every year with the number expected to continue to increase.

“The trail system and resort will have a major economic impact on our county. It will draw people to the area and create new opportunities for investment” said Kris Mitchell, Director of the BCCDC.

_{Source: http://boonecountywv.org/news-test-page.php}