BUCKHANNON – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program awarded more than $12 million on Thursday that will go toward the development of the John C. Allen Regional Hub Tourism & Recreational Complex.

Governor Patrick Morrisey made the announcement at the John C. Allen Regional Hub property, the site for the planned $50 million sports and recreation complex located along Corridor H in Upshur County.

The AMLER award and other previously secured local, state, and private resources fully funds Phase 1 of the project at approximately $16.5 million. Joyce Allen and her son, John Allen, donated 70 acres for the complex, which is named after John C. Allen, the late founder of the J.F. Allen Company.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Upshur County and the surrounding region,” Morrisey said. “Projects like this attract visitors who support our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses while helping strengthen local economies. They encourage West Virginians to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the community around them.”

The John C. Allen Regional Hub will be an indoor and outdoor recreation and sports complex that will include baseball, soccer, lacrosse fields, mountain bike flow tracks, an ice-skating rink, a Snowflex tubing hill for year-round recreation, a splash pad, a playground, pickleball courts, three basketball courts, an indoor turf field and more.

“This is a monumental moment for Upshur County,”Upshur County Commissioner Kristie Tenney said. “The AMLER investment allows us to re imagine this site as a destination that not only honors its history but creates new opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the state level, our regional supporters, and the Allen family for their vision and generosity. This project reflects what can happen when communities come together with a shared purpose.”

Joyce Allen said the project is a continuation of her late husband’s lifelong commitment to improving West Virginia.

“I want to congratulate the Upshur County Development Authority and the Upshur County Commission for securing the funding to develop the John C. Allen Regional Hub into a recreation and tourism destination that will benefit every citizen of Upshur County and all who visit our wonderful community,” said Joyce Allen. “This project is the result of the County Commission’s hard work and vision, combined with the generous spirit of my late husband, John. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of West Virginians by building better roads and strengthening transportation throughout our state. It brings me great comfort to know that his legacy will continue through this Regional Hub. It is truly an honor for me, our family, and the dedicated employees of J.F. Allen Company to be part of something that will serve this community for generations to come.”

The Upshur County Commission plans to open the project for construction bids before the end of the year.