Connecting ATV Trails With West Virginia Could Be A Possibility

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Posted: 11:17 PM Apr 22, 2008
Last Updated: 12:30 AM Apr 23, 2008
Reporter: Dara Rees
Email Address: dara.rees@wymtnews.com

9 comments

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The plan is to connect Kentucky trails to those in West Virginia, making an ATV ride a multi-state adventure.

Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo says the way to make it happen is to get Pike County involved.

The Lt. Governor was on hand in Pike County, where officials are applying for a 25-thousand dollar grant to get the adventure tourism project up and running.

“The Hatfield-McCoy trails, which is in West Virginia is a several hundred mile trail system, so we want to connect that trail system to Pike County, to the rest of the state as well, so this can become a multi-state system as well,” Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo said.

Most local officials welcome adventure tourism, and say it will help display the natural beauty to those that spend time on trails throughout eastern Kentucky.

“Really be able to show our heritage, the beauty of our land, that a lot of people have not had the opportunity to see and this will provide that for them,” Kimberly Wells of Summit Engineering said.

Lt. Governor Mongiardo says the trails will also bring the jobs this area needs, “We've been searching for jobs to come to here, to bring us manufacturing jobs for a long time and we've missed what we have right here under our noses. This will bring jobs, it will bring the type of economy that fits this area,” Lt. Governor Mongiardo said.

The Lt. Governor says the infrastructure is here, using old coal roads, logging roads, and even unused railways to link ATV riders from eastern to western Kentucky.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Cove Location: tennessee on Apr 29, 2008 at 09:06 AM
that would be so awesome and amazing.i would love it.i am so exited!!!!!!!

Posted by: Melissa Location: Sidney on Apr 25, 2008 at 05:20 AM
I think that it would be a huge mistake for this HMTS to come to KY much less Pike County! I live close to the WV border also, I know ppl who not only ride the trail system but who gave right aways for the trail. They said that if they knew then what they know now they never would have give right aways much less they come to Ky to ride their 4 wheelers now. It is a political thing that causes nothing but probelms and headaches. I perfer to keep it the way it is now. Ride where you want in eastern ky and you dont have to worry about paying to ride in your own backyard. Do you want to pay over 100 dollars to ride in your backyard cause I don't!

Posted by: M.E. Location: KY on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Are you guys that are slandering this trail serious!?! This would be a huge economic impact for Kentucky. I live on the KY/WV border and every weekend I see, liscene plates from South Carolina, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virgina, Flordia, around the city of Williamson. Go to Gilbert and you will see a mini Gatlinburg. Many people I have talked to that can afford to pay gas, travel, lodging and other expenses for this sport are Dentist, Engineers, Teachers, to name a few. All whom I assume have their own insurance. This is great vision for Eastern Kentucky to join up with the Hatfield McCoy system, because it brings millions to their economy each year. I'm just thankful that we finally have someone from Eastern Kentucky as our Lt. Governor that will work for us.

Posted by: Ride'um Location: ATVtrail on Apr 23, 2008 at 02:34 PM
When all else fails, or those in charge doesn't have a clue what the area needs, "TOURISM" seems to always be the answer. One example... the Elk that was reintroduced to east KY. that was suppose to bring millions {of people} to view these animals, well, where are those people? Who can afford to buy gas just to ride an ATV all day?

Posted by: vivian Location: cumberland on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
It might bring jobs but who is paying the numerous hospital bills? Guess who the taxpayer!

Posted by: Zeke Location: Olin on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM
I see a gold mine here, Speedway stations in the middle of the wilderness, it don`t get any better than this(for them).

Posted by: ron Location: whitesburg on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Wonderful, now who is going to pay all the hospital bills for these poor uninsured bunch of outlaws who don't work ,pay no taxes and live off goverment handouts---but they are plenty able to ride the ATV all day long----does anyone see something wrong with this picture?

Posted by: Rubin on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Deliverance all over again.