HTA Developer Back on Lewis County Commission’s Agenda
By JOHN WICKLINE
Staff Writer
The man looking to bring what he calls the "third largest theme park in America" to Lewis County is asking Lewis County commissioners to put a resolution on the November ballot to drum up support for the idea.
Steve Garvin, who is pushing the state Legislature to change a law and allow a horse racing venue and theme park centered around the industry, will be at Monday's meeting asking that a resolution for "West Virginia Lottery Commission Video Lottery Games of Chance be permitted within an area at the proposed Horse Themed Attraction to be built and located in Lewis County, West Virginia."
Even if the resolution would pass in November, Garvin realizes it would be a non-binding matter before the state government.
"There were some questions about the validity of the petitions (circulated earlier this year)," Garvin said. "A lot of phone calls were from across the state instead of localized in Lewis County. While we were very happy with that, the delegates and the senators want to see a true response from Lewis County."
Garvin had asked the matter be brought before the Legislature during a special session, as did Delegate Doug Stalnaker, D-38th District, and representatives from Harrison and Marion counties. But that request was denied as the matter does not have the support of Gov. Joe Manchin. A bill that would have allowed the creation of the race track and theme park was blocked in committee during the 2008 Legislative session that ended in March.
"I want to help everybody to understand that the people of Lewis County actually want this," Garvin said. "It's not just Steve Garvin and a select group of people."
Lewis County Clerk Mary Lou Myers said she has talked with the Secretary of State's office about the matter, adding she will discuss the results of those conversations during Monday's meeting.
"You can't just put something on the ballot," she said. "You have to go through the Secretary of State for approval."
Garvin said he tried to use the measure passed in 2004 that would allow casino-style table games at the old Weston State Hospital for his park, but learned it was not applicable. The time frame for that measure is scheduled to expire in 2009.
The Horse Themed Attraction, which would include lodging, racing, a family destination theme park and indoor show and concert venue, has met with obstacles in West Virginia for a long time. Garvin said none of those obstacles have included financing, which he says he has several backers.
But the political climate in the Mountain State has those unidentified backers looking at moving the project to Kentucky. Garvin, however, has resisted those efforts.
"I'm a very stubborn person," Garvin said. "I believe Lewis County is the place where the project can be successful. Lewis County has it all, two viable airports nearby, Interstate 79 and routes 50 and 33."
Garvin said the project will not only bring jobs to northcentral West Virginia, but also economic development in areas outside of Lewis County.
"Once the park is completed, I believe it will speed up the completion of Corridor H into Virginia," he said.
