Proposal to complete pavement on Panhandle Trail to be presented to Weirton Council | News, Sports, Vacancies

PROPOSED FUNDING — Weirton Council meets Tuesday to discuss a proposed resolution that would provide up to $140,000 to pave the remaining 1.25 miles of the Panhandle Railroad. — Craig Howell

WEIRTON — One Weirton Council member’s proposal could complete the Panhandle Trail, although initial support appears to be lacking.

During Wednesday’s morning meeting of the city’s finance committee, a proposed resolution to allocate up to $140,000 in funds to the Weirton Parks and Recreation Board was read, but no proposal was received from committee members.

“It will still go to council.” noted District 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso, who chairs the finance committee.

Fracasso was also the council member who sponsored the resolution.

Trail work was completed in phases beginning in October 2022, using funds provided through donations from the Mary Jane Brooks Foundation, the J.C. Williams Foundation, the Brooke County Commission, the Hancock County Commission, the City of Weirton and the West Virginia Division. grant from the Alternative Road Transport Program.

The park board began discussing the trail in 2018, working to raise the necessary funds in subsequent years. The project began at the Pennsylvania state line, with officials noting that a portion of the trail in the Keystone State had already been completed prior to its connection to the Montour Trail.

The final paving phase leaves approximately 1.25 miles of trail leading to its official endpoint near the US 22 and Harmon Creek Road interchange.

Financial Director Diana Smolyanovich noted that funds are available to cover the costs of the expected completion of the paving slab work.

“We came within budget for last year’s paving stones.” she said. “It’s all there.”

Although the resolution has not been received from the Finance Committee, the resolution is on the agenda to be discussed by the full Weirton Council during its 7:00 pm meeting on Tuesday in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building.

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