Senate 49

SENATE RESOLUTION 49

(By Senators Phillips, Z. Maynard, Rucker, and Rose)

[Introduced February 24, 2026]

Commending the many volunteers for their extraordinary service in the recovery efforts of the May 2025 flood at Chief Logan State Park.

Whereas, In May 2025, several areas within Chief Logan State Park, located in the great State of West Virginia, were impacted by devastating flash flooding that damaged park facilities, infrastructure, and the natural beauty of this treasured public resource; and

Whereas, In the face of this adversity, the people of Logan County, West Virginia, along with neighbors from across the region, demonstrated the true meaning of the “Mountaineer Spirit” by responding with immediate action and unwavering compassion; and

Whereas, Numerous volunteers, including community organizations, faith-based groups, student bodies, private citizens, and public officials, selflessly dedicated their time, labor, and resources to the cleanup and recovery efforts, including Hatfield & McCoy Trails Executive Director Jeffery Lusk; Deputy Executive Director John Fakete; Doug Killen of the West Virginia Division of Highways; Tug Valley High School student Jayden Hannah; Mark Hatcher of Superior Pocahontas; West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Cabinet Secretary Harold Ward; West Virginia State Senator Rupie Phillips; Nathan Brada, General Manager of Coronado Coal; Leonard Nicholas, Superintendent of Coronado Coal; Derrick Lambert of Superior Pocahontas; Logan County Commissioners Eric Porter, Diana Barnette, and Billy Dickerson; City of Logan Mayor Serafino Nolletti; City of Logan Fire Chief Scotty Beckett and Chris Hatfield, Fire Fighter; the staff of Chief Logan State Park; and Randall Vance of Vance Construction; and

Whereas, These individuals trudged through mud and debris, cleared blocked waterways, removed fallen trees, restored damaged facilities, and worked tirelessly under challenging and often dangerous conditions to rehabilitate the park; and

Whereas, The collective efforts of these volunteers not only accelerated the physical restoration of Chief Logan State Park but also provided hope, encouragement, and solidarity to those who suffered significant loss; and

Whereas, This selfless service embodies the highest ideals of civic duty and underscores the resilience, strength, and unity that define the Mountain State; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby commends the many volunteers for their extraordinary service in the recovery efforts of the May 2025 flood at Chief Logan State Park; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its profound gratitude and highest commendation to the volunteers who assisted in the cleanup and recovery following the floods of May 2025; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes that the true strength of West Virginia lies in its people and their willingness to stand together in times of crisis; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the volunteer organizations and local emergency management offices.