At the groundbreaking, Rudy Henley, a partner with McCabe-Henley-Durbin, noted that, �this celebration is to recognize the efforts of Senator Byrd, the State of West Virginia, and many other organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly over the years to make this project a reality.�

Also providing comments was John Rader, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, who stated that the project served as a model on how a state can work with a private developer to create a world-class resort.   �This one-of-a-kind public / private partnership will create hundreds of new jobs, infuse millions of dollars in economic development into the community and central West Virginia, and will result in a resort that will serve millions of visitors from throughout the eastern part of the nation.�
 

According to Rudy Henley, the Stonewall Resort�s private / public partnership is unique in that West Virginia Governors, both past and present, the state�s Congressional delegation, many West Virginia Legislators and local community groups played key roles in assuring the successful development of the resort. �Senator Byrd,� Mr. Henley continued, �is the person who made this project possible.�  Through

Stonewall Resort Rendering

Senator Byrd�s efforts the state will be able to pay off debt to the United States government for the original project cost by receiving credit for its investment in the new and greatly expanded resort.    Henley continued, �this is a project where everyone wins and it is a remarkable, yet typical, example of how the Senator works.� 

Jack Schmidt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Benchmark Hospitality, stated, �Benchmark is thrilled to be a part of this unique private / public partnership resulting in this exciting new project.  The Stonewall Resort will serve a growing need in the region for first-class resort amenities and meeting facilities.  We look forward to successful completion of the project in Spring, 2001.�

Benchmark Hospitality will operate the 2000-acre lakeside resort complex which will include a 196-guest room lodge with conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool.  Other amenities will include guest cottages and an 18-hole championship golf course.  

With headquarters in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a  recognized leader in resort, conference center, and conference hotel management.