The Clay County Business Development Authority has received two outstanding donations in the past week.

Last Monday, Kenneth Kinder with GAI Consultants Inc., donated a check for the amount of $2,950 to the Clay BDA for the purchase of a four seat rail bike, plus the shipping. GAI consultants Inc., has helped with the Elk River Project, and they are also helping work on the rail trail and the hiking trail along the rail trail.

“Tourism is what’s going to drive the economy here,” said Kinder as he was discussing the rail trail with BDA President Mitch DeBoard. Kinder said, “Donating a rail bike is a way to give back to the community.” Other people in the company that have been helping with the project have camps along the Elk River. Kinder said, “Looking forward, they want to be partners if the BDA has a good year, they will look into helping in more areas.”

Then, within one week, another donation arrived. Roger Lipscomb, who is an inspector for the WV Rail Authorities, donated a Jitney that is able to run on the rail trail.

A huge thank you for both donations to get the rail trail up and running! The rail trail will be a positive impact for Clay County and will help grow the economy.