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CHARLESTON -- Canaan Valley will receive $1 million in state funds for snow-making equipment enhancements, with other State Parks also to receive funding, officials announced.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that approximately $19.725 million would be invested in modernizing, repairing and expanding facilities across West Virginia's state parks, forests and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $9.725 million of that funding will come from the state’s FY27 Budget Surplus Investments, while the other $10 million is part of the State Parks Endowment Fund Board Proposed Projects funding.
"West Virginia's tourism industry is reaching new heights, and our state parks and forests are a big part of that success," Morrisey said in a press release from his office. "We're going to keep investing in the places that bring people here, support our local businesses, and show the rest of the country what makes West Virginia so special."
It was announced that Canaan Valley in Tucker County will receive $1 million from the State Parks Endowment Fund Board Proposed Projects. The money will be used for snow-making equipment enhancements, according to the release, allowing for “a higher volume of snow-making throughout the ski-able area.”
Morrisey also announced the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County, along with the Pipestem Resort State Park in Mercer and Summer counties, will receive $150,000 from the State Parks Endowment Fund Board for roof replacements on aging cabins and historic company houses.
The State Parks Endowment Fund Board also proposed that $2 million will go toward statewide wastewater repairs. According to the release, the repairs will replace aging sand filtration components and enhance wastewater treatment plants throughout the West Virginia State Park system.
Other State Parks that will receive funding from the FY27 Budget Surplus Investments include:
– Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County will receive $3 million for construction of a new 34-site campground and electrical improvements to nearby existing campsites.
– Blennerhassett Island State Park in Wood County will receive $300,000 to replace its service barge and tugboat, “the GiGi,” which provides the only reliable way to deliver supplies, equipment and other goods to the island.
– Twin Falls State Park in Wyoming County will receive $2.275 million for comprehensive cabin renovations, lodge HVAC upgrades and upgraded cabin interiors and mattresses.
A total of $4 million from the FY27 Budget Surplus Investments was also announced to go toward statewide paving and repairs for campsites, driveways, parking lots and walkways throughout the State Park system.
Other State Parks that will receive funding from the State Parks Endowment Fund Board include:
– Chief Logan State Park in Logan County will receive $3 million to replace a deteriorating 20,000-gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant serving the lodge, cabins, recreation center and future facilities.
– Cacapon Resort State Park in Morgan County will receive $3 million for wastewater collection system repairs and necessary plant upgrades serving the lodge, cabins, golf course and other recreational facilities.
– Hawks Nest State Park in Fayette County will receive $1 million to rehabilitate the lower tram building, including renovations to the gift shop, restrooms and boat rental concession area.
The funding announcements came as the state’s tourism economy reached reported record heights, according to the release, generating $9.4 billion in economic impact last year. West Virginia is said to have welcomed 78.4 million visitors, who generated $6.8 billion in visitor spending and supported 61,728 jobs across the Mountain State.
"These investments are about building on our momentum," Morrisey said. "When people visit West Virginia, they spend money in our communities, support our small businesses and experience firsthand why this is such a great place to live, work, raise a family and visit. We want to give them even more reasons to come back.”