MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Flegal Dam and Reservoir will soon have recreational amenities proposed as part of the project back in 2018.
The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) announced that the majority of the project that began in 2018 is near completion, with only minor improvements remaining to finish. Assistant General Manager Rich Rogers addressed the MUB board during their regular meeting Tuesday, where he stated that lighting fixtures have already been installed, with property line aesthetics expected to be completed by the end of fall 2023. This will allow for the construction of recreational components to move forward as part of an agreement with MUB and the City of Morgantown.
“They (lighting fixtures) have been installed; there’s just a little bit of fencing that needs to go up; Kanawha Stone is doing that along some of the property lines there along Cobun Creek Road,” said Rodgers of what’s left to be completed on MUB’s end of the agreement. “Other than that, we’re pretty much done, which is great,” he said.
The installed light fixtures will use “dark sky” lighting for the 125-acre property. According to Rodgers, this is aimed at avoiding any concerns from residents while allowing for maximum lighting for any activities that may take place at the Flegal Reservoir when it’s fully opened for recreational activities. This will include access to trails around White Park and other recreational amenities nearby.
“It’s really meant to minimize any light pollution for the neighbors and surrounding properties,” said Rodgers of the lighting installations.
The City of Morgantown expects to move forward with the construction of a pair of pedestrian bridges as part of the Flegal Reservoir recreation project. As part of their agreement with MUB, the city will use American Rescue Plan Act dollars to pay for recreational amenities that will also include the construction of the parking lot, which is expected to begin in the fall. Millings from the city’s summer paving work will be used for the parking lot.
“We’re seeking a proposal to design the recreational area and water crossing, and Parotta Paving is going to spread milling to build the parking lot and add additional gravel along the guard rail,” said MUB Board Member and Morgantown City Councilor Harshbager. “(Paving) likely will begin in two to three weeks,” he said.
The construction of recreational amenities at the Flegal Reservoir is part of a three-way agreement between MUB, the City of Morgantown, and BOPARC. MUB will focus on the reservoir as a water source as part of the agreement and will work with the West Virginia Department of Highways to repair Upper Cobun Creek, which was affected by construction. With the city and BOPARC working on the design and construction of the remaining recreational components, the MUB Board is excited about what Morgantown residents will see when it’s completed.
“It’s great, people should be getting excited, I’m excited, it’s beautiful up there,” said MUB Board President Barbara Parsons.
The Morgantown Utility Board also approved a three percent raise for General Manager Mike McNulty. He has served in the position since January 2021, with a starting salary of $170,000.