Elk River Bridge Rebuild Project
Donation protected
West Virginia’s massive flooding along the Elk River started at the headwaters in Slatyfork, Pocahontas County. Pocahontas County is known as the birthplace of rivers, and is one of the areas that has received extensive damage from the recent flooding.
Mary and Gil Willis, owners and operators of the Elk River Inn in Slatyfork near Snowshoe lost their only access bridge to their home and business, and are now cutoff, without access to US219.
Gil, Mary, and the entire Willis family are well known for supporting many wide-ranging local efforts throughout the past 35 years, and are now in need of your assistance to raise an estimated $65,000 to replace their bridge across the headwaters of the Elk River from US 219.
The Willises and their inn’s summer emphasis on fly fishing and mountain biking, was well as their winter focus on snowboarding and pioneering of Mid-Atlantic Nordic skiing, have played a major role in contributing to the area’s much needed tourism industry. The couple also voluntarily host the US Forest Service’s Props Run trailhead to bring added access to the national forest, nationally highlighting the mountain bike opportunities of the area.
That prominent forest service trail, the inn, and the Willis' are now stranded and need our communal help. Let’s give back to the folks who’ve welcomed us into their lives and whose 35-year commitment to West Virginia has refined the outdoor offerings of an isolated and economically challenged piece of God’s Country.
This campaign is being put together by Whitey McDaniel, from Morgantown WV. I have been a longtime believer/supporter of ERTC and all they have done for the county and state. I am also Mary's brother-in-law, married to her sister Clare, and uncle to their children Thurston and Gus.
With the bridge totally washed out, and the center pillar (estimated at 35 tons!) moved over 6 feet by the force of the flood waters (see attached video!), the entire 65' span of the bridge has to be reconstructed from 219 to the island. Work will be starting immediately, and your assistance will be greatly appreciated!
We have also started a Facebook page for this project, so you can follow the progress and see/share past images of the old bridge! https://www.facebook.com/ERTCbridgerebuild/
Mary and Gil Willis, owners and operators of the Elk River Inn in Slatyfork near Snowshoe lost their only access bridge to their home and business, and are now cutoff, without access to US219.
Gil, Mary, and the entire Willis family are well known for supporting many wide-ranging local efforts throughout the past 35 years, and are now in need of your assistance to raise an estimated $65,000 to replace their bridge across the headwaters of the Elk River from US 219.
The Willises and their inn’s summer emphasis on fly fishing and mountain biking, was well as their winter focus on snowboarding and pioneering of Mid-Atlantic Nordic skiing, have played a major role in contributing to the area’s much needed tourism industry. The couple also voluntarily host the US Forest Service’s Props Run trailhead to bring added access to the national forest, nationally highlighting the mountain bike opportunities of the area.
That prominent forest service trail, the inn, and the Willis' are now stranded and need our communal help. Let’s give back to the folks who’ve welcomed us into their lives and whose 35-year commitment to West Virginia has refined the outdoor offerings of an isolated and economically challenged piece of God’s Country.
This campaign is being put together by Whitey McDaniel, from Morgantown WV. I have been a longtime believer/supporter of ERTC and all they have done for the county and state. I am also Mary's brother-in-law, married to her sister Clare, and uncle to their children Thurston and Gus.
With the bridge totally washed out, and the center pillar (estimated at 35 tons!) moved over 6 feet by the force of the flood waters (see attached video!), the entire 65' span of the bridge has to be reconstructed from 219 to the island. Work will be starting immediately, and your assistance will be greatly appreciated!
We have also started a Facebook page for this project, so you can follow the progress and see/share past images of the old bridge! https://www.facebook.com/ERTCbridgerebuild/
Organizer and beneficiary
Clare McDaniel
Organizer
Slaty Fork, WV
Mary Willis
Beneficiary