Legal Notices

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER TRAIL ECONOMIC IMPACT AND FEASIBILITY STUDY& COUNTY-WIDE RECREATIONAL ECONOMY PLANS Introduction and Background Region VII Planning and Development Council (Region VII PDC), in collaboration with the West Virginia Pioneer Network, is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive economic impact and feasibility study for the communities within the Little Kanawha River Trail, as well as countywide recreational economy plans for three counties within this region of West Virginia. This initiative aims to support the Little Kanawha River Trail by identifying opportunities for sustainable economic growth and enhanced recreational opportunities in the target counties. The Pioneer Network region, which consists of 8 counties in central WV, boasts significant natural beauty and a growing interest in outdoor recreation. The Little Kanawha River Trail serves as a key asset in this development. By strategically planning for trail towns and a robust recreational economy, Region VII seeks to leverage these assets for the benefit of local communities, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and improving the quality of life for residents. Project Goals The primary goals of the Little Kanawha River Trail Economic Impact and Feasibility Study project are to: Assess the economic impact and feasibility of developing “trail towns” along the Little Kanawha River Trail. Identifying specific opportunities and strategies for these communities to capitalize on trail tourism. Provide data-driven recommendations for infrastructure improvements, business development, and marketing efforts to support trail town growth. The focus of this study will be for the counties of Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Gilmer, and Wirt. The primary goals of the county-wide recreation economy plan project are to: Develop comprehensive county-wide recreational economy plans for Nicholas, Roane, and Webster Counties. Identify existing recreational assets and opportunities for expansion. Outline strategies for leveraging outdoor recreation to drive economic development, including job creation, business growth, and increased tourism. Provide actionable recommendations for implementation, including potential funding sources and partnership opportunities. Scope of Work The selected consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks: LKRT Economic Impact and Feasibility Study 1. Research and Data Collection Review existing relevant plans, studies, and data related to tourism, recreation, and economic development in the five counties. Conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including local government officials, business owners, trail organizations, community leaders, and residents. Collect data on current trail usage, visitor demographics, and spending patterns (if available). Identify existing businesses and services that could support trail tourism, as well as gaps in services. Analyze best practices and case studies of successful trail towns in similar regions. 2. Feasibility Assessment Evaluate the physical, environmental, social, and economic feasibility of developing trail towns in designated communities. Identify potential trail alignments and associated infrastructure needs (parking, restrooms, signage, access points). Assess the capacity of existing infrastructure to support increased tourism. Identify potential challenges and barriers to development (land ownership, environmental regulations, community resistance) 3. Economic Impact Analysis Quantify the potential economic impacts of trail town development, including: o Direct, indirect, and induced job creation. o Increased visitor spending and associated local tax revenues. o Property value enhancements. o Business creation and expansion opportunities. Develop a financial model to project costs and benefits associated with trail town development scenarios. 4. Recommendations and Action Plan Develop specific, actionable recommendations for each identified trail town, including:o Strategies for attracting and supporting trail-friendly businesses.o Marketing and branding strategies for trail towns.o Recommendations for infrastructure improvements and amenities.o Potential funding sources (grants, public-private partnerships, etc.).o An implementation timeline with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Prepare a comprehensive report detailing findings, analysis, and recommendations. Present findings to RVII PDC and relevant county/community stakeholders. County-Wide Recreational Economy Plans (Nicholas, Roane, Webster Counties) 1. Asset Inventory and Assessment Conduct a thorough inventory of all existing recreational assets within each county, including trails, parks, waterways, public lands, and private recreational facilities. Assess the condition, accessibility, and usage of these assets. Identify current recreational programs, events, and related businesses. Analyze existing policies and regulations related to outdoor recreation. 2. Needs Assessment and Opportunity Identification Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders (residents, visitors, business owners, recreational groups, government agencies) through surveys, workshops, and interviews to understand current and future recreational needs and preferences. Identify gaps in recreational opportunities and services. Analyze market demand for various outdoor recreational activities. Identify unique recreational assets and potential competitive advantages for each county. 3. Economic Development Strategy Development Develop a strategic framework for leveraging outdoor recreation as a driver of economic development. Identify target recreational sectors and associated business opportunities (e.g., outdoor guiding, equipment rentals, lodging, food services). Outline strategies for workforce development to support the recreational economy. Propose strategies for marketing and promoting each county as an outdoor recreation destination. Identify potential funding mechanisms and investment opportunities. 4. Recommendations and Implementation Plan Develop concrete, prioritized recommendations for each county, including: o Specific projects and initiatives to enhance recreational assets. o Strategies for business recruitment and retention in the outdoor recreation sector.o Recommendations for policy changes or new regulations.o Partnership opportunities between public, private, and non-profit entities.o A detailed implementation plan with timelines, responsible parties, performance metrics, and potential funding sources. Prepare a comprehensive report for each county detailing findings, analysis, and recommendations. Present findings to Region VII PDC and relevant county stakeholders. Project Timeline and DeadlinesProposals Due: August 29, 2025 Review/Select for Interviews: September 5, 2025 Interviews: September 12, 2025 Contract Approval: September 29, 2025 Begin Work: October 8, 2025 (est.) Complete Work: June 30, 2026 (est.) Budget This project is funded by grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the US Department of Agriculture. Proposal Submission RequirementsProposals should be clear, concise, and provide sufficient detail to allow for a thorough evaluation. Please include the following information: 1. Cover Letter–identify the lead contact person and all team members. 2. Qualifications and Experiences–identify firm’s experience in conducting similar economic impact studies, feasibility studies, and trail development planning. Also identify experience in working with small, rural communities in promoting tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities. 3. Proposed Approach and Methodology-identify the firms proposed approach in completing the work scope requirements. 4. Project Schedule-clear timeline for all tasks and deliverables. 5. Budget-provide a separate cost for LKRT Economic Impact and Feasibility Study and the CountyWide Recreational Economy Plans. Provide as much detail as possible for us to understand how your costs were established (i.e., itemized list of costs related to the proposed tasks, cost of subcontractors). Proposals shall be emailed to Shane Whitehair at [email protected] and received no later than 4:00 pm on August 29, 2025. All questions can be directed to: Shane Whitehair at swhitehair @regionvii.com. LC-316166 07-29/08-05;2025