$95,000 VCEDA Grant Approved to Expand Breaks Park River Access

BREAKS, VA – JULY 24, 2026 -- An up to $95,000 grant to the Breaks Interstate Park from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) will help to expand river access within the park.

 

The grant, closed recently, will be used to develop infrastructure and improvements at the park’s Ratliff Hole River Access area. Improvements planned include renovation of restroom facilities, repaving of the entrance road and parking lot and bank stabilization.

 

The funds come from the VCEDA Civil Penalties Fund and are being used as match funding for an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant received by the park.

 

“The Breaks Interstate Park is a big tourism destination in our region and VCEDA is pleased to award this grant which will further expand tourism opportunities at the park,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Increased tourism is expected from the expanded river access and increased tourism translates into additional revenues for our counties through the additional lodging, food and gas taxes collected from those visiting in the region.”

 

The park currently has 22 full-time and 85 part-time employees.

 

"Ratliff Hole is a river access area treasured by our guests for providing easy access to the Russell Fork for activities such as swimming, kayaking and fishing,” said Breaks Interstate Park Superintendent Austin Bradley. “The VCEDA grant will serve as match funding for more than $300,000 in federal grants and will allow us to renovate restrooms, improve parking and repair road access to the area. We hope that this will be Phase I in a broader effort to create a riverside camping area." 

 

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

###

PHOTO CAPTION: An up to $95,000 grant to expand river access at the Breaks Interstate Park was closed recently. Breaks Park Superintendent Austin Bradley, left, inked the agreement earlier this month. He is pictured here with VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher, right.