WHEREAS, during very difficult economic times and historic state budget cuts, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) collaborated in a unique and productive partnership to build the High Bridge Trail State Park on an expedited and achievable work schedule; and WHEREAS, through the generosity of the Norfolk and Southern Railway Corporation, the Commonwealth was the recipient of a gift of an abandoned railway line and its right of way in Prince Edward County, which runs from the Town of Pamplin to the Town of Burkeville and covers a distance of 33.8 miles; and WHEREAS, the railway's stunning centerpiece, the High Bridge, spans 2,400 feet across and rises 160 feet above the beautiful Appomattox River Valley; and WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation was charged with the challenge of developing the abandoned railway and High Bridge site into a linear park, appropriately called the High Bridge Trail State Park; and WHEREAS, significant historically, the High Bridge Trail State Park was the site of two desperate engagements of the Battle of High Bridge fought on April 6 - 7, 1865, at the end of the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War; and WHEREAS, the High Bridge Trail State Park will provide an exciting and much needed recreational facility for Virginians and visitors to enjoy, as well as offer economic opportunities for the Southside Virginia community to provide goods and services to hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and other outdoor enthusiasts who will explore the trail and its amenities; and WHEREAS, the phenomenal success of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and VDOT partnership has resulted in the grand opening of the High Bridge Trail State Park at a remarkable cost savings to the Commonwealth of approximately $5.8 million; and WHEREAS, the development, construction, and opening of the High Bridge Trail State Park would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, cooperation, and creativity of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and VDOT and their exemplary leaders, administrators, personnel, and staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates commend and congratulate the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Transportation on their collaborative efforts to develop the High Bridge Trail State Park; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Transportation as an expression of the House of Delegates' gratitude to the agencies for their outstanding service and commitment to the trail project and the citizens of the Commonwealth. |