Senator Justice Celebrates Opening of Stargazing Cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest

MORGANTOWN, WV - Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement applauding the opening of the Stargazing Cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest, an investment Senator Justice spearheaded while Governor:

"During my time as Governor, we made it a priority to invest in our parks and public lands. When we set out to improve our state parks, my goal was to make West Virginia a place where people want to visit, explore, and stay. These five new stargazing cabins opening at Coopers Rock are a perfect example of that mission coming to life - I'm proud to see the results of our work. We're enhancing one of our state's most beloved forests, welcoming more visitors, and creating more jobs, all while preserving what makes West Virginia truly special," said Senator Jim Justice.

BACKGROUND:

• In 2023, Senator Justice, while serving as Governor, announced a new construction project at Coopers Rock State Forest - including five new stargazing cabins and infrastructure improvements. He remained committed to this project and checked in frequently on its progress.
• Under Senator Justice's leadership as Governor, West Virginia began experiencing explosive growth in tourism around 2019. Total visitor spending reached $6.3 billion in 2023, according to the 2023 tourism economic impact report, which is 23% higher than in 2019, compared to 9% growth nationally.
• Departing office in 2025, Senator Justice announced as Governor that tourists had spent $9 billion in West Virginia - thanks to hundreds of millions invested in his "Tourism Works" program.
• West Virginia's 36 state parks draw more than 7 million tourists every year.

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