The Shadow
FAIRLEA, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced plans to pledge up $2 million toward construction of a new community swimming and recreation facility — called the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center.
The facility will serve residents of southern West Virginia.
“There are so many people who would truly benefit from a facility like this,” Justice said. “The goodness that it will bring to the area is off the charts.”
The governor made the announcement alongside several local community leaders, during a celebratory event Feb. 26 at the West Virginia state fairgrounds in Fairlea — the future home of the aquatic center.
Plans to build the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Centerhave been discussed for nearly half-a-decade.
Thousands of individuals, businesses, and foundations have invested toward the project, raising over $4 million to-date. However, the additional $2 million provided by Justice would represent the final portion of funding needed to get development off the ground.
“I’m proud, beyond belief, to be able to help get this thing across the finish line to where we will be able to finally get shovels in the dirt and start working on this project,” Justice said. “So many people have given their time and their talent — not to mention money out of their own pocket — to make this happen. It’s been a long time coming. Today is really a wonderful day.”
The complex’s 22,400-square-foot main building will be equipped with amenities for people of all ages and abilities, including three pools: a competition pool, a recreation pool, and a therapy pool.
Additionally, the main building will include a splash dish, full locker rooms, a kitchen/concession area, as well as an activity room, classroom, cardio exercise room, and a senior club room.
The full facility will also include 6,000 square feet of open terrace, 3,300 square feet of covered terrace, and a parking area for as many as 50 vehicles.
For funding, Justice has requested up to $2 million from the West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council to go toward jump-starting the plan.
The West Virginia Department of Commerce will formally request the funds from the IJDC — a body created by the West Virginia Legislature to manage and facilitate funding for infrastructure and other projects — on the governor’s behalf.
Construction on the aquatic center is projected to begin later this year. Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center project leaders are aiming to open the facility for swimming by summer 2021.
