WELLSBURG - The Brooke County Pioneer Trail Association has reimbursed the Brooke County Commission for a portion of the funds it put up for a $300,000 grant awarded for the trail's extension and is continuing to work to raise the remainder.

Trail association members presented a check for $21,000 to the commission Tuesday.

Ruby Greathouse, the group's vice president, said it will continue to work to raise the remainder of a $75,000 match paid by the commission, though it may take time.

The commissioners thanked the group for its efforts and for securing the $300,000 grant from the West Virginia Department of Transportation to pave a 3.4-mile gap in the trail between Beech Bottom and Short Creek.

The trail association had been at risk of losing the grant when it failed to raise the match by the state's Aug. 17 deadline.

The group said up to and since that time, the group received donations from many directions, including Beech Bottom Council, which provided $5,000; the Brad Paisley Foundation, $2,500; Northern Panhandle Resource and Conservation Development Council and Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau, both $2,000; and town of Bethany, $1,000.

The group said donations, including $5,000 from a donor who wished to be anonymous, have come from communities ranging from Bloomingdale to McMechen, while active and inactive members of the group have paid their 2010 dues and more to support the effort.

Greathouse said the sale of a cookbook titled "Healthy Trails to You" has netted about $1,500, and copies are still available.

The group also has received a donation of a Gary Fisher bicycle from Cindy and Andy Wallen of Wheelcraft Bikes of Wheeling that will serve as the prize for a drawing to be held on Oct. 4 during the Wellsburg Applefest. Chances on the bike are $1 each or six for $5 and may be purchased at the Wellsburg branch of Main Street Bank this weekend, the Brooke County Fair and the apple festival and from any member of the trail association.

Greathouse said the group awaits approval from the state to advertise for a contractor to pave the gap, and the work is not expected to begin until spring.

Plans call for the trail to be diverted from the former railroad bed on which it runs and closer to the Ohio River, with a barrier separating it from activities at the adjacent Wheeling Culvert Plant site.

The change in the trail's course and barrier were conditions sought by officials with Esmark, who granted permission for it to cross their property.

Greathouse said many traveling the Brooke County trail from Wheeling have moved onto the brim of state Route 2 in order to proceed beyond the gap, prompting concerns for their safety.

Also on hand Tuesday was Doug Wayt, president of Ohio Valley Trail Partners, a regional group that also has supported the Brooke County trail.

"We are just so excited to work with the Brooke County Trail Association to make this a complete trail from Wellsburg on to Wheeling," Wayt said.

He said recreational trails encourage tourism, which supports restaurants and other businesses.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)