CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Uncertainty over funding levels in the 2017 fiscal year budget because of legislative inaction has prompted the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to delay the opening of six swimming pools in DNR-managed state parks, forests and wildlife management areas.
“The park system weighed different options and ultimately decided to delay the opening of several of our most costly pools, including those at Panther Wildlife Management Area, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Babcock State Park, Watoga State Park and Kanawha State Forest,” said Chelsea A. Ruby, director of marketing and communications for the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
The 14 other pools operated by the state park system opened last Saturday during the traditional Memorial Day weekend kickoff of the summer swimming season.
Ruby cited “an abundance of caution…