dbeard@dominionpost.com
MORGANTOWN – Gov. Jim Justice – and Babydog – came to Morgantown Monday for two ceremonial funding announcements: for WVU’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and for Mylan Park’s KOA RV Resort and Campground project.
The RNI funding – $2 million – comes from HB 206, introduced and passed on Sept. 30 during the Legislature’s second special session. Justice approved the bill on Oct. 10 and came to RNI on Monday for the bill signing.
WVU President Gordon Gee opened the ceremony with a few words about the importance of RNI. “This is a world class facility built with world class people doing some of the most important work that’s done in this country.”
He thanked Justice and the legislators present for passing the bill. And he took a few moments to praise Justice for his support of WVU, and to present the governor with a framed WVU jersey picture bearing the number 36 – honoring him as the 36th state governor.
“I often refer to you as coach but today you’re our chief player,” Gee said.
Dr. Ali Rezai, executive chair of the RNI, said the institute has risen to national and international recognition for its groundbreaking treatments and research using focused ultrasound technology.
“Today with this bill, our research efforts are further accelerated dramatically and immediately,” he said. The money will help expand the ultrasound research beyond Alzheimer’s and drug addiction to pursue clinical trials related to food and behavioral addictions and to veterans impacted by PTSD.
Justice, seated at the bill-signing table with Babydog in a chair next to him, said, “What has happened to WVU is un-flat-believable. … You are champions in my book in every way.”
SUBHEAD: Mylan Park funding
In the gravel lot at the entryway to Mylan Park’s KOA RV Resort and Campground project, Justice presented a $1 million check for Phase II.
The money comes for the Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, via a Congressionally Directed Spending request from Sen. Joe Manchin.
Mylan Park Foundation President Ron Justice introduced the governor. “Without the governor’s leadership, Phase I wouldn’t have started and Phase II would not be possible,” he said. The project is running ahead of schedule.
He also thanked the Tourism office for its support. “In working with the AML program, the governor’s staff, everyone in the state of West Virginia has been wonderful for us to work with here at Mylan Park.”
Justice said, “This is what the AML is supposed to be. … What you’re doing here is unbelievable.
You’re bringing so much growth, economic development, so many people to this area. … You should be just off-the-chart proud.
This is the second AMLER grant for the $11 million project. The previous $3.75 million grant got Phase I rolling. Phase I, about $11 million total, Ron Justice said, included four modular Lancaster log cabins. Phase II aims to bring the number of cabins to 15, and pave campground roads.
The 37-acre site is located next to the Anker Fields Complex. Once completed, it will offer
169 RV/camper sites, up to 25 cabins and four tent sites, as well as a clubhouse and bathhouses.
The campground will be operated through KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, which has more than 500 camping areas across the country, including sites in Harpers Ferry, Sutton and Milton.
After the check presentation, Ron Justice commented to The Dominion Post, “I think the governor said it best: We continue to work together for economic development in this area, and this wouldn’t be possible without support from the governor’s office and the state. We’ve continued to move Mon County into a position to continue to attract tourism into Mon County, so that’s very exciting.”
Frank Witt Mylan Park KOA general manager, said after the ceremony, “It’s exciting to see the governor and the support that’s he’s provided for us here at Mylan Park.” He’s looking forward to the campground opening and what the new funding will accomplish.
