Pool Openings Delayed Over West Virginia Budget Uncertainty

Officials have delayed opening six swimming pools managed by the Division of Natural Resources due to the uncertainty over the upcoming state budget.

Department of Commerce spokeswoman Chelsea Ruby says the openings have been pushed back for pools at Panther Wildlife Management Area, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Babcock State Park, Watoga State Park and Kanawha State Forest.

Fourteen other pools operated by the state park system opened Saturday.

Ruby tells the Charleston Gazette-Mail the pools that didn’t open have higher operating costs.

State lawmakers have been working on a budget for the next fiscal year. Without a budget, state government would shut down July 1. A $270 million budget gap remains.