Cumberland County Awarded $218,000 Trail Grant
For Immediate Release
January 27, 2023
Contact: Derek Stamey
County Administrator
Phone: (804) 492-3625
Email: dstamey@cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov
Richmond, VA - The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission met on Thursday, January 5th, in Richmond to approve projects that will generate economic growth in the agriculture and tourism sectors as well as help attract new businesses to Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Commission approved 29 funding requests in addition to various extensions and other business including welcoming Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and new Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos.
The Cumberland Courthouse/Bear Creek Lake State Park Connector Trail Project is currently a local trail that connects Cumberland Courthouse Village to Bear Creek Lake State Park Trail. The goal of this project is to provide major improvements to the current trail by paving the 6-foot-wide trail in asphalt to enhance the walkability and accessibility for all users. If funded, these much needed improvements will link the visitor to the nearby Cumberland State Forest which connects to Bear Creek Lake State Park as well as the Cumberland Courthouse Historic District.
This project will allow for state park and state forest visitors from around the country to access Cumberland Courthouse encouraging them to spend more money supporting the local tourism economy. Brian Stanley, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Cumberland County said, “Cumberland’s Board of Supervisors greatly appreciates the efforts of the Virginia Tobacco Commission to support the county’s tourism and economic development initiatives. This is an exciting project for our residents and or visitors.”
Tobacco Commission Chairman, Senator Frank Ruff said, "I'd like to welcome our Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and new Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos, to the Commission. James brings a wealth of experience to the position and I look forward to working with him as we continue to do all that we can to be a catalyst for growth and opportunity in Southern and Southwest Virginia.
The Commission has always taken a broad view of economic development and you can see that reflected in the projects we approved at this meeting. From helping our local farmers and producers remain competitive, supporting our tourism economy, developing sites for future businesses and more, I'm proud of the work we have done here."
Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Tobacco Commission Acting Executive Director, James E. Campos said, "I am excited to get started here at the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. The Commission does important work and after attending the meetings over the last few days it is clear that it is a critical asset for the communities of Southern and Southwest Virginia as they seek to grow and diversify their economies. I am proud to be a part of this team and look forward to getting to work to help ensure a bright future for our rural communities."