LAVALETTE, W.Va. — A second of two required public meetings on the proposed 75-room lodge and conference center within the Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area near Huntington took place Monday night.
State Senator Bob Plymale (D-Wayne) has led the charge to require the state to take a closer look at a possible lodge at Beech Fork. Monday’s meeting updated the findings of the market and planning feasibility studies, as well as the results from a public survey.
Plymale made an amendment last regular legislative session to HB 3140, that deals generally with state Division of Natural Resources infrastructure, to requires two public hearings by Oct. 1.
The feasibility study includes how a public-private partnership would work in terms of ownership and what kind of numbers that lodge would have in terms of guests. Plymale said the Huntington area is in a good place for this proposed destination.
“People drive three to four hours to experience something different and new. We are in a popular base to draw from,” he said to MetroNews.
“We are within three to four hours of Columbus, Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati.”
Plymale said the state has $3 million allocated for cabins and lodges and legislators could advocate for additional money to make sure public-private partnership will work. He added there are already a couple of companies interested in the partnership to own.
The Beech Fork Park is a 3,100-acre park and features a popular 720-acre lake and 31 miles of shoreline. Plymale said during the winter months, they would plan to host different parties for meetings and conferences.
A 75-room lodge would have cost $29 million in a close considered plan in 2012 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Plymale said they are continuing discussions with the Corps.
He said there has been plenty of support to get this done this go around.
“In terms of the Chamber, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Wayne County Economic Development Authority, the City of Huntington, Cities of Kenova, Ceredo, and Wayne, everybody has been very supportive,” Plymale said. “We have a lot of positives moving forward.”
A report on the entire proposal has to be submitted to the legislature by Dec. 1.
The meeting Monday was held at the Lavalette Elementary School Cafeteria.