Developers to Build Indoor Water Park in WV

Volcano Island Resort will be largest private development project in Marion County history

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. October 14, 2008

FAIRMONT, WV, November 3, 2006. Governor Joe Manchin today joined representatives from The Water Works LLC and American Resort Management LLC to announce the development of an $87 million indoor water park and family resort on a 25-acre site along the Monongahela River near I-79 in Marion County - a destination tourism project that is expected to infuse millions of dollars into the local economy and create as many as 500 new jobs.

Developed by The Water Works LLC and designed by Omni & Associates, the Volcano Island Resort is a unique all-inclusive resort. The resort will be managed by American Resort Management LLC and will feature: the 50,000-square-foot Volcano Island Indoor Water Park; a 30,000-square-foot conference center; a five-acre outdoor water park; marina and recreational lake with paddle boats; RV park; multiple restaurants; a full-service day spa and 300 attractively appointed suites overlooking the Monongahela River. The project is the largest private development project in Marion County history, and one of the largest in state history.

The project site is part of the former Exxon Fairmont Coke Works industrial site. Portions of the 107- acre site have been remediated under an XL Project agreement among Exxon Mobil, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. The 25-acre portion of the site that is being developed for the Volcano Island Resort project was not environmentally impacted under the site's prior use.

"Volcano Island Resort will have a lasting economic impact upon Marion County and the entire North Central West Virginia region. This project is an outstanding example for browfields redevelopment in West Virginia, transforming this vacant land into new jobs and new economic opportunities with construction of a year-round destination resort that will attract families from throughout West Virginia and the greater Mid- Atlantic region," the governor said.

More than 300 temporary construction jobs will be created as a result of the project, with as many as 350 permanent positions and as many as 125 seasonal positions created with the opening of the resort in

The Volcano Island Conference Center will feature 30,000 square feet of elegant and flexible state-of-the-art meeting space, with a Grand Ballroom that will accommodate groups of up to 1,000. A junior ballroom at the resort will accommodate up to 350 guests. With more than 10,000 square feet in additional breakout space available, Volcano Island will be a destination of choice for corporate meetings, conventions, social gatherings, galas and weddings. Volcano Island Indoor Water Park Resort will feature the latest and greatest rides in today's water park industry, all set in a tropical paradise. Attractions will include: multiple twisting and turning body slides; a water coaster; a swirling tube coaster for one or two riders; a family raft ride; activity pool with water basketball hoops; and, a 50-person indoor/outdoor whirlpool for children and adults. A five-story Million Dollar Tree House, with multiple levels of activities, will showcase a large bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons of water onto guests below. Toddlers and parents will enjoy the zero-depth entry pool with a variety of interactive water features. Other amenities included in the Indoor Water Park facility are a 7,000-square-foot arcade with more than 100 games. A large party room and bar/restaurant will also be included in the complex.