W.VA. GOV. MANCHIN VISITS APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN HARPERS FERRY
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. (June 11)—West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III today dedicated a series of enhancements to the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the town, saluting the private and public agencies and volunteers involved in the multiyear project.
The project included a set of stone steps up a steep embankment on the much-used side trail to the national Appalachian Trail Visitors Center at Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) headquarters, a two-block relocation of the trail in the lower town, and a series of informational signs throughout the park about the 14-state national scenic trail. It was underwritten by a $57,299 state trails grant, matched by the work of 1,900 volunteers during a three-year period.
At the ATC-sponsored ceremony on a trail promontory overlooking the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Manchin, introduced by Harpers River Mayor Jim Addy, recognized the private conservancy and its volunteers, Appalachian National Scenic Trail Superintendent Pamela Underhill of the National Park Service, and the interpretive and maintenance staffs of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
“Our outdoors is an ageless beauty,” the governor said, encouraging the out-of-state visitors in the midday crowd of about 250 to stay long and spend often.
Manchin also took the occasion to issue a proclamation designating June as Great Outdoors Month in West Virginia. Joining him on the podium for that action were state Sen. Herb Snyder and Delegates John Doyle and Tiffany Lawrence.
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