Bidding to begin on Twin Falls Expansion Project

Bids will be open for the Twin Falls Resort State Park expansion Sept. 5, according to Delegate Richard Browning, D-Wyoming.

The $6 million project includes a proposed three-story addition to the lodge, expanding capacity to 50 rooms, with two suites, larger conference facilities, a spa and exercise center with an indoor pool — if the budget will allow it — as well as access to the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail. Additionally, there will be single story additions for the lobby and pool.

This lodge design will completely hide the existing building, allowing for a complete new design and more "curb appeal," according to Superintendent Scott Durham.

The expansion will better serve medium size conferences, as well as allow the park to better serve local functions such as reunions and parties, he said.

While the contract allows 365 calendar days for completion, officials expect the project could be wrapped up as soon as early next summer, Browning said.

"I'm pleased with the progress," Browning emphasized, "and I look forward to the groundbreaking."

Browning has met with state and county officials each month since the project was funded with $3 million from the state Economic Development Grant Committee in order to keep the project on schedule.

"We're proceeding, but not quite on schedule," he said.

Another $3 million from other state funding sources has been earmarked for the project to enhance services to patrons of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail System.

A link to the trail system will be simultaneously constructed on the park, along with a parking facility for ATV trailers. Riders will be able to park their ATVs on the yet-to-be-constructed parking facility, then access the trail system from the new connecting link.

It is the ATV trail that officials believe will make the park self-supporting; however, park visitors won't likely see ATV riders in the park due to the location of the new parking facility.

Additionally, once the money currently designated for the Coalfields Expressway is spent, the new four-lane will be within four miles of Mullens and the park. Browning believes this will also substantially increase visitors to the park.

Park visitors put additional money into the local economy as well as the park. For every $1 spent in the park, another $6 is spent outside the park for gasoline, food and other items, the superintendent explained.