The Senate Natural Resources Committee met briefly Wednesday morning to approve Senate Bill 996, which creates the Jennings Randolph Lake and Teter Creek Lake State Parks.
The legislation recognizes the importance these areas for recreation, the economy, and the environment, and aims to boost tourism and conservation in these respective regions.
The bill would amend existing law to add both areas to the the list of West Virginia state parks, and it grants the Division of Natural Resources the authority to manage, maintain, and improve the parks, including entering into agreements with entities like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure its continued operation and public use, while clarifying that federal jurisdiction over the lakes and surrounding federal lands remains unaffected.
The Division is also empowered to develop facilities, improve access, expand amenities, and allocate resources to enhance outdoor recreation and promote economic growth, with the new parks’ designations taking effect on July 1, 2026.
The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
