Photo Courtesy of the Mingo County Commission

This 25-foot long, handicap-accessible floating dock will soon be installed at Laurel Lake. The dock and its gangway were purchased by the Mingo County Commission as part of a county-wide effort to upgrade recreational facilities and parks.

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Special to the Daily News

LENORE — Fisherman looking to cast their lines into Laurel Lake will soon be able to do so from a brand new dock, courtesy of the Mingo County Commission (MCC).

The aluminum floating dock and gangway, manufactured by Gator Dock, is currently being installed. Measuring eight feet wide and 25 feet long, the pier is handicap-accessible. The pier is one of several recreational projects throughout the county being supported and funded by the commission either whole or in part.

“Laurel Lake is a gem in our county’s recreational crown,” said Mingo County Commissioner Greg “Hootie” Smith. “We want to develop the lake in a manner so it is a draw to both residents and tourists alike.”

“This is one of many projects that we as a county commission are developing as part of an overall recreational plan for our county,” said Commission President John Mark Hubbard. “With the number of avid fisherman we have in our county, this dock is a great way to enhance the ability to enjoy the beauty of Laurel Lake.”

“Laurel Lake is a real asset to our community,” added Commissioner David L. Baisden. “It’s amazing the difference one project like this boat dock can make. It’s a small project, but it will have major impact on the use of Laurel Lake.”

The dock is currently being installed by a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) crew.

The materials for the dock cost $23,293.00. In addition to the fishing dock, the county commission is currently developing a shooting range at Laurel Lake and has assisted the Laurel Lake Wildlife Foundation with the purchase of playground equipment by facilitating a $10,000 grant through the Governor’s Community Participation Grant Program (GCPG). The GCPG funding was requested by Del. Harry Keith White and Del. Justin Marcum, who represent Mingo County in the West Virginia House of Delegates.