FUNDING PROPOSED — Weirton Council is set to discuss a proposed resolution Tuesday, which would provide up to $140,000 to pave the remaining 1.25 miles of the Panhandle Rail Trail. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — A proposal from one member of Weirton Council could complete the paving of the Panhandle Trail, although initial support appears to be lacking.

During Wednesday morning’s meeting of the city’s Finance Committee, a proposed resolution to allocate funds of up to $140,000 to the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation was read, but failed to receive a motion from members of the committee.

“It will still go to council,” noted Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso, who chairs the Finance Committee.

Fracasso also was the member of council who sponsored the resolution.

Paving of the trail has been worked on in phases, beginning in October 2022, using funds provided through contributions by the Mary Jane Brooks Foundation, the JC Williams Foundation, the Brooke County Commission, Hancock County Commission, City of Weirton and a West Virginia Division of Highways’ Transportation Alternatives Program grant.

The Park Board began discussions of paving the trail in 2018, working to raise the necessary funds over the following years. The project began at the Pennsylvania state line, with officials noting the portion of the trail in the Keystone State already was paved through to its connection with the Montour Trail.

The most recent phase of paving leaves approximately 1.25 miles of the trail remaining, leading to its official terminus near the area of the U.S. 22 and Harmon Creek Road interchange.

Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich noted funds are available to cover the expenses of the proposed paving completion.

“We came in under budget for last year’s paving,” she said. “It’s all in there.”

Despite not receiving a recommendation from the Finance Committee, the resolution is on the agenda to be discussed by the full Weirton Council during its meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, in the council chambers of the Weirton Municipal Building.