Breaks bridge gets funds

The longest pedestrian swinging bridge in North America is planned for construction at Breaks Interstate Park.

Dec. 16, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority presented a grant for up to $433,000 to assist the project and meet other infrastructure and improvement needs at the park, which straddles the Virginia-Kentucky line near Haysi.

A roughly 725-foot swinging bridge is planned for construction across the Russell Fork gorge from the Virginia side of the park to the Kentucky side of the park. The bridge will also connect the park’s trails to the Pine Mountain Trail.

In addition to constructing the swinging bridge, the grant funds will also be used for the additional clearing of right of way for electrical infrastructure to serve the park; site preparation and hydroseeding; the transfer of utility lines to new poles and the removal of old poles; the replacement of the roof on a park building; the improvement and/or replacement of the septic system for the Adventure Outpost; structural support improvements for the Laurel Lake cabins; replacement and/or repainting of rusted stairwells; and the purchase of catering equipment.

In addition to VCEDA funds, the park has $326,000 in committed funds for the bridge project from several other sources. Once all the funding for the project is in place, construction on the swinging bridge is expected to begin. The timeline calls for construction of the bridge next fall with a planned 2021 opening.

“The Park Commission and staff are extremely excited about the projects which will be made possible by the VCEDA grant, as they will help us continue our efforts to diversify into a national destination for outdoor recreation,” said Breaks Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “VCEDA’s financial support through the civil penalties grant program has been crucial to our efforts and we are very grateful for its continued support.”

According to the application, the park currently has six full-time and 110 part-time employees and projects the addition of another two full-time and 30 part-time jobs within two years.