Friday afternoon’s rain showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm at the official grand opening of the new Sutton Lake Marina. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin dodged the first of the rain drops to cut the ribbon.

Facility owner Bill Hunt led the brief remarks from the top of a houseboat. He thanked the many people who had worked diligently to bring the facility together in a short period of time.

Sutton Lake Project Manager David Eskridge introduced one of the special guests, Lt. Col. Jason Smallfield, of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Colonel spoke highly of the improvements and the services Sutton Lake’s recreational areas provide for guests.

House of Delegates Majority Leader Brent Boggs was next to the podium to introduce the Governor. Manchin thanked the Hunts for investing in the economic growth of the County and State. He told of growing up on the water and his love of boating. “I have always had a boat, I know what a great social experience we have on the water, making new friends and enjoying our State’s waterways. I know what it is to be a dock rat and I’m sure all those who use these new modern facilities will appreciate the hard work Bill and Mary Hunt have put into this area.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the Governor, Lt. Col. Smallfield, Delegate Boggs, Senator Doug Facemire joined the estimated crowd of 300 at the Ship’s Store for refreshments and more friendly conversation about the new expanded Sutton Lake Marina.
Before arriving at the Lake, Governor Manchin toured CHEMTAC, the new statewide medical coordination center at Flatwoods. Dr. Bill Ramsey, State Director of Emergency Medical Services gave the Governor, Senator Facemire and Delegate Boggs a tour of the facility which will begin operation in the near future.