Cedar Lakes changes moving forward

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Senate has approved the first bill of what will be a series of legislative actions which enable the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Jackson County to become a privately run entity.

The current legislation removes the requirement that employees at Cedar Lakes are paid under the pay schedule of the Department of Education. The Department of Education has run the facility for 63 years. It was originally established as an educational camp for the Future Farmers of America and the Future Homemakers of America. It’s become an attraction for regional conferences and events in more recent years.

“About 500,000 people a year go through Cedar Lakes,” said Jackson County Senator Mitch Carmichael. “It’s been a part of the history of West Virginia for over 63 years.”

The recent education performance audit recommended the closure of the facility because of the cost and because it doesn’t fit with the modern day education mission. A local group fought to take over the camp and conference center and run it as a private entity through the Cedar Lakes Foundation.

“It’s a shame to see it at the point it will be divested from operation of the state of West Virginia,” said Carmichael. “But this bill, and others that will follow, will enable Cedar Lakes to be sustainable and viable in a private sector environment.”

The bill enables the employees as of July 1, 2014 to be paid according to a pay scale comparable to similar jobs in the industry in the region.

 





More News

News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am
News
West Virginia Parkways Authority prepares for Easter travelers on the Turnpike
More than 500,000 transactions are projected at the West Virginia Turnpike through Monday.
March 28, 2024 - 11:30 am
News
Governor vetoes vaccination exemption bill, and now that debate is primed to get even bigger
House Bill 5105 would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools, and it also would have allowed private and parochial schools to set their own standards.
March 28, 2024 - 11:14 am
News
Lottery reports $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Charleston
Four numbers and Power Ball matched.
March 28, 2024 - 10:24 am


Your Comments