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Sheepskin Trail has many potential benefits

By Bill Talkington 3 min read

Fayette County is a great place. It t has a great past, hidden treasures, and, with concerted efforts, a bright future. As a relative newcomer to the area, I have had an impartial opportunity to absorb information, explore our communities, and discuss several plans and ideas for bettering this place that we call home.

I believe that completion of the Sheepskin Trail could produce the largest economic and social returns on a per-dollar-invested basis. The potential benefits are multi-faceted and touch many aspects of our lives here in Fayette County.

Tourism and Economy

Tourism is one of Fayette County’s top industries, one that will benefit greatly from the completion of the Sheepskin Trail. Visitors on foot and bike travel at a pace that allows them to appreciate the natural beauty and rich historic and cultural heritage of our county. Winding through the heart of Fayette County and its communities, the trail will attract tourists traveling along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). The Sheepskin Trail is also uniquely poised to connect the GAP to the extensive trail network in north-central West Virginia.

Bike trails have been repeatedly demonstrated to be a “build-it-and-they-will-come” resource. Visiting any nearby “Trail Town,” the direct economic benefits from the creation and operation of trailside businesses are readily apparent. New, local businesses can flourish all along the trail by feeding, housing, and entertaining their two-wheeled guests. These improvements do not just benefit the traveler; local residents get to enjoy these venues as well. Additionally, the largest economic benefit is that the money spent tends to stay local, able to be reinvested by residents and local governments alike.

Furthermore, the trail and associated improvements would act as an attractive amenity to larger companies looking to create new or expand existing operations. There are innumerable communities and locales that can provide low economic barriers of entry to new businesses, but reasonably-priced rent, utilities, and tax incentives are not a panacea. Lifestyle amenities (cultural, recreational, etc.), such as the bike trails, are critically important in retaining and attracting the next generation of physically active and civic-minded workers, as well as those companies that wish to employ them.

Health and Community

Trails and biking amenities promote and encourage more physically active recreation and transportation options for local residents and visitors alike. Trails are low-cost (relative to other projects) and accessible community enhancements that provide excellent opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities, and means to improve their health and well-being. Non-auto transportation options promote a more connected and engaged community, promoting higher levels of civic pride and a greater “sense of place,” thereby strengthening communities.

The Sheepskin Trail is again becoming a common topic of conversation at the county-level and construction is actively being planned in South Union Township (special thanks to the South Union Township supervisors). If you are interested in the development of the Sheepskin Trail and similar recreational facilities, reach out to your family, friends, and local government officials and let them know you feel that it would be a valuable asset to our communities. Please thank our officials for supporting this issue and encourage them to keep its progress under regular consideration.

Bill Talkington is a resident of South Union Township.

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