Breaks Interstate Park awarded $433,000 grant for proposed swing bridge and other improvements

A grant of over $400,000 is headed towards the Breaks Interstate Park for a new pedestrian swing bridge and other infrastructure improvements.

According to a news release from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, funding from the agency will help to create what park officials say will be the longest swing bridge in North America, a 725 foot bridge that will stretch from the Virginia side to the Kentucky side of the park, as well as other improvements to better serve the park.

“VCEDA is pleased to continue to support the growth and expansion of the Breaks Interstate Park,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The park is a primary tourism asset in Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and VCEDA is pleased to play a part in this latest project.”

“The Park Commission and staff are extremely excited about the projects which will be made possible by the VCEDA grant, as they will help us continue our efforts to diversify into a national destination for outdoor recreation,” said Breaks Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “VCEDA’s financial support through the civil penalties grant program has been crucial to our efforts and we are very grateful for its continued support.”

As for the bridge, construction will begin once complete funding is in place, with an expected 2021 opening. The park says it has also received $326,000 in funds for the bridge project from other sources. The Breaks Interstate Park timeline additionally says construction of the bridge is also expected to start next fall.

Courtesy of Image: VCEDA