HOUSE Concurrent RESOLUTION 95
(By Delegate B. Smith)
[March 18, 2025; Referred
to the Committee on Rules]
Requesting the West Virginia Economic Development Authority to identify and assess land around Tygart Lake in Taylor County, West Virginia, for the development of public entertainment, amusement, and tourism facilities, and to explore funding sources from federal, state, and private developers to invest in these projects.
Whereas, Tygart Lake is a premier yet underutilized natural resource in Taylor County, West Virginia, with tremendous potential to become a major hub for tourism, recreation, and economic development; and
Whereas, Tygart Lake is strategically located along two major U.S. Highways: U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 119. This makes it easily accessible to travelers throughout the region; and
Whereas, Tygart Lake is within a 30-minute drive of Clarksburg, Bridgeport, and Fairmont, West Virginia, as well as Fairmont State University, Morgantown, and West Virginia University, providing access to a significant population base and workforce; and
Whereas, Tygart Lake is approximately two hours from major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charleston, West Virginia, and Wheeling, West Virginia. It is also within a six-hour drive of cities including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ocean City, New Jersey, Ocean City, Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, Richmond, Virginia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, and Cleveland, Ohio; and
Whereas, The City of Grafton, near Tygart Lake, is rich in history and culture as the home of the International Mother's Day Shrine, the longest-running Memorial Day Parade in the United States of America, and the only two National Cemeteries in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The tourism and recreation industries are key drivers of economic growth for Taylor County, West Virginia, with Tygart Lake serving as the cornerstone for this development; and
Whereas, Entertainment, amusement, and tourism attractions generate substantial revenue, create jobs, and drive infrastructure improvements that enhance economic stability in the region; and
Whereas, The establishment of entertainment and tourism facilities at Tygart Lake would attract visitors and stimulate local businesses, including hospitality, retail, and dining services; and
Whereas, Revenue generated by casinos and other entertainment venues could be allocated to fund schools, roads, and new infrastructure, providing lasting benefits to the community; and
Whereas, The vision for Tygart Lake Economic Development, Entertainment, and Recreational Project is to establish the area as the Northeastern Tourism Capital of West Virginia, modeled after successful destinations such as Reno, Nevada, the Lake Tahoe Region, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Atlantic City, New Jersey; and
Whereas, The development of a comprehensive master plan, supported by federal, state, and private investment, would ensure the successful establishment of world-class entertainment, amusement, and tourism facilities around Tygart Lake; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia Economic Development Authority is hereby requested to identify and assess land around the city of Grafton and Tygart Lake in Taylor County, West Virginia, for the development of public entertainment, amusement, and tourism facilities; and, be it:
Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Economic Development Authority explore potential funding sources at the federal and state levels, as well as opportunities for public-private partnerships and private investment, to support the planning, infrastructure, and construction of such facilities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the West Virginia Economic Development Authority submit a report to the Legislature detailing its findings and recommendations, including a strategic plan for development, funding opportunities, and projected economic benefits, within 12 months of the adoption of this resolution; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor of West Virginia, the Secretary of Commerce, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the Taylor County Commission, and other relevant state and local agencies.