Comment EI-31204
Received or sent (printed as 7/25/2021)
My affiliation and concern regarding the conflict of the abandoned railroad, currently called the Scenic River Road along the Elk River, is purely humanitarian. My family has lived in this area for over five generations. They pioneered, developed, and created culture and history here in spite of detrimental practices from profit seeking mining, fracking and pharmaceutical companies that diminished the water, land, and people for decades. Now, what can only be described as rural gentrification, these West Virginians are again faced with forces in power that will rip them from their beloved homes to satisfy the needs of bikers and hikers. This Rails to Trails program spearheaded by WV Legislator, Speaker Roger Hanshaw is antithetical to the needs of these WV residents. Without putting too fine a point on it, this program caters to folks with disposable incomes and expensive cycling equipment, whose lifestyle and bank accounts afford them access to the natural beauty in this area, which should belong to all people. Those who live along the track, and the tens of thousands who visit and ride motorized vehicles along that stretch will be denied access to their own backyard. Even though I no longer reside there, I come home to the Elk River for peace, quiet, renewal, and connection to my history. The promise of this Rails to Trails offers a future for the privileged and despair to those who live in this area. A recurring theme in West Virginia’s history. I can’t compare it to the Trail of Tears suffered by the original people of this land, but can certainly empathize with that tragic crime against humanity as people are driven from their homes. Sadly, there are few here with the agency or influence to fight this nightmare of political and privileged power. But if there is a way to see another perspective, I pray the people of this land will be considered as human beings and not obstacles to be wiped out. If they are dismissed, shame on all of you.
Submitted by: Amanda June Volpenhein · Covington, KY
The Board publishes this comment in its environmental-comment table for this proceeding. It is quoted here as printed; nothing is inferred from it, and it states the commenter's own position in their own words, not this record's.
Permanent address docketyard.org/d/AB-1314-X/comment/EI-31204 · back to the docket sheet