Wyoming EDA chief new head of
Hatfield-McCoy trail system

PINEVILLE: Jeff Lusk will take the helm of the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Authority beginning Jan. 1.

His position as executive director of the Wyoming County Economic Development Authority will be taken by Christy Laxton, who has served as his assistant for two years.

Lusk began as the EDA director 11 years ago.

"The two things I’m most proud of are the industrial park and our loan programs," Lusk said of his tenure.

The Wyoming County industrial park has three buildings completed, with two of them leased, Lusk said. The fourth, and final, building is expected to be completed in 2006. Among the four loan programs for small businesses, $4 million is available for lending.

"We have 170 loans on the books here now," Lusk said.

Laxton, who began at the EDA office four years ago, is excited about the opportunity, but is also nervous.

"I have some very big shoes to fill," she said, "but I’m excited to be able to stay in the county."

She will continue to work with the grant funds and manage the loan programs.

In his new job, Lusk will oversee the operations of the 400 existing miles of recreational trails traversing Wyoming, Mingo, Logan and Boone counties, 42 staff members and a $2 million operating budget.

He will oversee the addition of trails in McDowell, Wayne and Lincoln counties, all part of the original trail system. Mercer County was added to the trail system in 2001 and Kanawha County this year.

"My first priority will be McDowell County," Lusk noted.

The McDowell County loop of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System will add another 100 miles to the system and has been under construction for some time.