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West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and outdoor recreation areas are about to get an upgrade. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday nearly $20 million in investments to modernize and expand the facilities across the state.
The money includes nearly $10 million from the 2027 fiscal year budget surplus and a proposed $10 million in projects through the State Parks Endowment Fund.
It was not immediately clear how the governor could fund projects from the surplus. Those decisions are typically left to the legislature that has the power of the purse strings.
“Those are investments in West Virginians. West Virginians visit these parks day in and day out,” Kayla Kessinger, the secretary of Tourism, said. “These parks are an important part of the fabric of our state and our community.”
Last year, tourism generated $9.4 billion in economic impact. More than 78 million people visited the state and generated $6.8 billion in visitor spending and supported 61,728 jobs.
“West Virginia’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, and our state parks and forests are a big part of that success,” Morrisey said. “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.”
FY27 Budget Surplus Investments ($9.725 Million)
● Little Beaver State Park will receive $3 million for construction of a new 34-site campground and electrical improvements to nearby existing campsites.
● Pipestem Resort State Park and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will receive $150,000 for roof replacements on aging cabins and historic company houses.
● Statewide paving and repairs will receive $4 million for campsites, driveways, parking lots, and walkways throughout the State Park system.
● Blennerhassett Island State Park will receive $300,000 to replace its service barge and tugboat, the GiGi, which together provide the only reliable way to deliver supplies, equipment, and other goods to the island.
● Twin Falls State Park will receive $2.275 million for comprehensive cabin renovations, lodge HVAC upgrades, and upgraded cabin interiors and mattresses. Morrisey previously announced this investment Sept. 21 at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
State Parks Endowment Fund Board Proposed Projects ($10 Million)
An additional $10 million in projects is proposed through the West Virginia State Parks Endowment Fund Board:
● Chief Logan State Park 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.
● Canaan Valley will receive $1 million for snowmaking equipment enhancements, allowing for a higher volume of snowmaking throughout the skiable area.
● Statewide wastewater repairs will receive $2 million to replace aging sand filtration components and enhance wastewater treatment plants throughout the State Park system.
● Cacapon Resort State Park 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 will receive $1 million to rehabilitate the lower tram building, including renovations to the gift shop, restrooms, and boat rental concession area.