Haysi gets trail center funds

Haysi will receive a $500,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant toward costs of renovating the former Haysi Theater building into the Haysi Trails Center.

Ninth District U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith announced the award in a Monday press release.

The grant will go toward funding the first phase of renovating more than 4,400 square feet of the property, according to the release. The project is expected to attract 500 daytime visitors annually, create three new businesses and create three new jobs.

“Outdoor recreation has the potential to turn Southwest Virginia’s great natural splendor into an asset for economic development as well,” Griffith said. “These funds will help draw more visitors to discover all our region has to offer.”

In June, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that he would recommend the Haysi project for ARC funding.