State parks committee backs Cacapon renovation plan

A state-level committee on parks and natural resources voted recently to put their support behind the $23 million renovation planned for Cacapon State Park.

Commission President Stacy Dugan, Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson, Jim Michael and Joe Michael spoke to the group about Cacapon at their meeting on Sunday, January 8.

Following the presentation, members of the committee voted unanimously to back the renovation project and send a letter of support about the renovation and expansion to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, said Dugan.

Plans already designed and engineered include a 67,000-sq.-ft. addition of 79 rooms, a spa and fitness amenities, plus general upgrades.

The price tag for the complete project, including lodge expansion, golf course upgrades, utility improvements and spa/fitness additions is estimated to be $23.5 million.

Dugan said the recent resolutions by Berkeley and Jefferson County Commis-sions outlining the regional benefits of an upgraded park with conference and golf facilities were key to securing the committee’s support.

“I do believe the resolutions really helped. Now it’s not just Morgan County wanting this for their park, the Eastern Panhandle wants it,” Dugan said Monday.