Halifax County commissioners today agreed to have their attorney draft an interlocal agreement with the town of Weldon which would allow the allocation of $50,000 as matching funds for a state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant for a proposed riverfront enhancement project.

The Weldon Riverfront Enhancement Project will be developed within River Falls Park, which was created in 2003 with funding from a PARTIF grant.

Currently the park includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, a walking track and a small overlook of the river and park. There is also a boat landing operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at the park.

According to documents contained in the meeting agenda packet, the commission has committed to build a canoe and kayak outtake area at the northern end of a proposed boardwalk which is part of the enhancement project.

Senate Bill105 designated the Roanoke River as a paddle trail.

“The project will capitalize on Weldon’s greatest asset, the Roanoke River,” the document said. “One of Weldon’s economic development strategies is to utilize the Roanoke River to increase visitors to the town. We estimate this project will increase visitation by over 25 percent within two years of completion.”

The town believes the project will be a catalyst to support new business development in the adjacent downtown area and spur private investment. “Connecting Weldon to its riverfront and attracting more people for events will help existing and potential retailers grow and sustain their main street businesses in parallel to a growing outdoor economy within the town.

“Most importantly, we feel that by enhancing River Falls Park and providing handicapped accessibility to the Roanoke River our population will become more active. Creating this space, accessible by all, is a significant priority for the town of Weldon as we look to a more sustainable, healthy, and economically sustainable future.”

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Town Commissioner Muzette Kiger told county commissioners with the county now being designated as a paddle trail and part of the state’s Blueway Trail, “Halifax County becomes a destination for people exploring the trails.”

With the proposed boardwalk project, “This actually allows us to become a trailhead destination,” she said.

Kiger said the application for the PARTIF grant is due May 2.

Cost of the enhancement project is right at $1 million, she said.

The identified sources of matching funds are $250,000 from Roanoke River Partners which is pending committee approval; $50,000 from the town of Weldon which has been confirmed; $50,000 from the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau which has been confirmed; $100,000 pending from the North Carolina speaker which is pending; and $50,000 from the county commissioners which is pending approval of the interlocal agreement resolution.

County Attorney Glynn Rollins explained that the matching funds would have to be appropriated as parks and recreation dollars and suggested drafting an interlocal agreement. “You can’t do it as tourism development because your only authority to spend money for tourism is to levy and collect an occupancy tax that is then administered by the (tourism development authority).”

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the bureau, said, “It is a park for the town of Weldon. We’re willing to do our part, we’re helping write the grant. We’re also putting additional funds in for the canoe and kayak intake and outtake. We’re going to support this project over the years . It’s really important for the county to be the jumping off point for the Roanoke River and invite the world to explore the Roanoke River.”