Wheeling Rides

Robert Scatterday has a vision that begins in Wheeling and ends in Mount Vernon, Va. Included in this vision is a bicycle, a rider and a strip of pavement that allows a person to pedal from Wheeling to George Washington's homestead without getting off a dedicated cycling trail. But progress in Ohio County is putting part of Scatterday's vision into question, as the re-opening of the Tunnel Ridge coal mine on Short Creek Road could lead to the closing of a section of Wheeling's Heritage Trail. Tunnel Ridge owns the coal loadout area on W.Va. 2 just north of the Pike Island Locks and Dam, and 1,470 feet of the trail system crosses the coal company's property. Tunnel Ridge currently is in the process of renovating the property for its loadout area. more...

OVTP supporters, Not to beat a Live Horse, but I hope you took the opportunity given to you last week to snail mail a letter to the DEP to request a public hearing on the Tunnel Ridge Coal Company's plan to get permit to close what could be PERMANENTLY, the Ohio County Trail North of Wheeling at their site. This would jeopardize future connector North as well. We have until July 16 to write to them. We're asking supporters to write, using your own words to hold a public hearing that might prevent their permit approval. Your letter should mention: regarding permit number U-181-83 and ask the DEP to authorize a public hearing that will allow citizens to voice their concerns and hopefully block permit approval. The address to send to is: Permit Supervisor Department of Environmental Protection 105 South Railroad Street Suite 301 Philippi, W.Va. 26416 Thank you, Doug W.,pres. OVTP