Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today announced awards for seven projects totaling $135,720 in grants for the Growing Healthy Communities Grant Program.
“I applaud the ingenuity of these local leaders who are taking steps to make life healthier and more enjoyable for folks in their communities,” said Gov. Tomblin. “I’m grateful for the continued strong partnership between the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the West Virginia Development Office for continuing to make this grant program, and the projects it supports, possible.”
The West Virginia Development Office administers the Growing Healthy Communities Program, with funding provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The program provides competitive grants for West Virginia Main Street and ON TRAC communities for activities that increase community health and wellness while also providing opportunities for downtown revitalization and development.
The projects include:
- Elkins ON TRAC: $25,000 grant to begin the implementation phase of the rail yard path to connect the Elkins Rail Yard to downtown attractions.
- Main Street Fairmont: $24,890 grant to begin the implementation phase of the Fairmont Connectivity Plan. Crosswalks will be painted with murals and artistic bike racks will be installed in the historic downtown, and community events will be held to encourage use and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Main Street Kingwood: $12,490 grant to continue the development of the Preston County/Kingwood Farm to Table initiative by loaning iPads to local farmers to enable credit card, EBT, and WIC acceptance at the Kingwood Farmer’s Market. The project will also install a high-tunnel and community garden to encourage gardening among seniors and low income citizens in the area.
- Main Street Morgantown: $25,000 grant to design and implement way finding signage to connect existing trails, the Wharf district, and the downtown area.
- Parsons Revitalization Organization: $22,118 grant to add fitness stations and activity panels in Mill Race Park.
- Town of Shinnston: $14,500 grant to conduct a local business health assessment and enhance walkability by completing the Rail Trail and the trail in Ferguson Park.
- Town of Sutton: $11,630 grant to enhance the Sutton Farmer’s Market and promote bicycling in Sutton. The grant project will provide more canopies and tables for the Sutton Farmer’s Market, install a sound system and security system at the Sutton Farmer’s Market, and a plan for a permanent structure. The project will also install 18 bike racks in the area and hold an event to promote cycling.
