Since the news of secured funding for a new Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge visitor center broke in early June, plans continue to develop. Last Wednesday, Refuge Manager and Project Leader Ron Hollis presented additional information to the Tucker County Commission.
“I think it’s wonderful news and it’s really a credit to Ron Hollis and his staff at the refuge, as well Senators Capito and Manchin to their work behind the scenes to make this project happen,” Tucker County Commission President Diane Hinkle said.
Different news agencies credit Senators Capito and Manchin differently, but it appears both are responsible for securing the $7 million from the Department of Interior.
Hinkle predicts the new visitor center will continue to push economic growth in the county. “It’s just what we need for Canaan Valley. We need something to jump start some other activity in the valley,” she said. “This will be a big asset, not just to the valley but to the county as a whole.”
“Fish and Wildlife has a big footprint in this county, and they are doing a lot of good things in this county,” Hinkle continued. “What I really like about those is I’m seeing a lot more local engagement, people who live here are starting to take advantage of these opportunities.”
The new building will also house interactive and educational experiences for visitors, a workspace for employees, a book store for the volunteer group, “Friends of the 500th,” and a community meeting space.
Plans for a multipurpose room in the new visitor center is a component that Hinkle is excited for. “They are building with the people in the community in mind,” she said.
Additional funding will support utility, transportation, and visitor services infrastructure, including educational kiosks and interpretative signage.
“We anticipate that construction of the new facility will bring short-term construction jobs to the area and enhance the tourism economy of Tucker County,” Hollis’ statement read.
The visitor center will house the refuge’s administrative offices as well as staff from the West Virginia Ecological Field Office. “The co-location of Service offices and the sharing of resources will save taxpayer money and reduce the cost of leased space,” Hollis’ statement read.
In Hollis’ statement, an overall deterioration of the current building is cited, including damage to the foundation, poor wiring, plumbing, and energy inefficient systems.
The current visitor center was built in 1975 as a restaurant and a hotel. After the restaurant closed, it was converted into office space.
The current visitor center is 7,320 square feet, and the new facility is proposed tobe over 8,000 square feet.
The refuge staff has been conducting weekly planning meetings to prepare for the move out of the current building. “We are early in the process but plan to keep our supporters and local community informed as we move forward throughout the process,” Hollis’ statement read.
