LEBANON, VA – July 24, 2025 — A new 11-acre site described by the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) as the gateway for broader tourism efforts tied to the Clinch River will be developed due in part to an up to $50,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund The grant will be used to help finance the construction of the Hillside Trail Park in downtown Lebanon, VA.
Matching funds contributed by the Virginia Department of Forestry, the Town of Lebanon and the Clinch Valley Soil and Water Conservation District will also be provided for the project which will be developed on the hillside in front of the Lebanon Farmer’s Market and Russell County Governmental Center in downtown Lebanon.
“The design of the Hillside Trail Park will emphasize low-impact development and the park is intended to provide both residents and visitors with opportunities for environmental education and community engagement,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “The site for the park lies within the Clinch River Watershed with water from the site flowing over seven miles through Big Cedar Creek into the Clinch River State Park, which is Virginia’s first blueway state park.”
The IDA application for funding noted the project offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness of environmental conservation and stewardship. It will support learning about local ecology, biodiversity and sustainability, according to the application.
Goals for the park, according to the IDA application are to:
- Preserve and enhance existing natural areas on the site;
- Improve positive environmental functions and water quality;
- Provide accessible opportunities for environmental education;
- Ensure ADA-compliant access and connect the park to the broader community;
- Increase native habitat and biodiversity; and
- Offer passive recreation options in a natural setting.
Work on the project has already been started and will be completed in phases. It is estimated the project improvements will be completed within the next 18 months, if not sooner.
“This unique opportunity allows the community to utilize property that was previously considered to be deemed unsuitable for traditional development,” said Russell County IDA Executive Director Ernie McFaddin. “The innovative and outside of the box thinking by the Clinch Valley Soil & Water Conservation District; will provide both residents and visitors the opportunities for environmental education and community engagement. Russell County IDA looks forward to continued support for this project.”
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.