Commission backs industrial access road grant application to improve access to Mylan Park and KOA campground

The Monongalia County Commission voted Dec. 30 to approve a resolution supporting a West Virginia Industrial Access Road Grant Program application submitted by the Mon County Development Authority on behalf of the Mylan Park Foundation. The application seeks funds to construct a state-spec road from Chaplin Hill to the top of the hill above the county building and to improve access to a new KOA campground and other tourism-related development.

Russ Rogerson, who introduced the item on behalf of the Morgantown Area Partnership and the Mon County Development Authority, said the state program historically provides up to $400,000 per county per fiscal year for road projects that support industrial growth. "This is our first tourism-based industrial access road grant request," Rogerson said, noting that tourism projects have recently become eligible for programs focused on economic development.

Ron Justice, representing Mylan Park, described the project’s purpose and timeline. Justice said the KOA campground represents a roughly $12 million private investment and that the road work would allow RVs and larger vehicles to access the site safely. Justice said construction would follow state specifications and that the project would be reimbursed through the program rather than fronted by the development authority as in prior projects.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about alignment and design; presenters said the design will include appropriate turning radii and a center-turn island to accommodate large RVs. The motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: the development authority will submit the Industrial Access Road Grant application to the state with commission support; if approved, the project would proceed through state design and construction requirements and be eligible for reimbursement under the program.