Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 88 History
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 88
(By Delegates Pino, Louisos and Perry)
Requesting the West Virginia Division of Highways to name State
Route 25 from Glen Jean to Thurmond in Fayette County the "Jon
Dragan Road."
Whereas, Jon Dragan was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania on
September 11, 1942, but was drawn to Fayette County, West Virginia
as a young man by the lure of whitewater rapids on the New River;
and
Whereas, In 1968 Jon Dragan, along with his brothers Tom and
Chris and his future wife, Melanie, began operating the State's
first commercial rafting company, Wildwater Expeditions Unlimited,
on the New River; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan's pioneering efforts on the New River that
summer of 1968 led to the development of a whitewater rafting
industry that today is a driving force in the State's tourism
economy; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan's contributions to Fayette County and the
State of West Virginia extend far beyond whitewater rafting, for
Jon played an important role in the creation and development of the
New River Gorge National River, Bridge Day and numerous other endeavors such as the West Virginia Southern Railway; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan's spirit of adventure in his professional
life extended to his personal life as well, where Jon participated
in whitewater expeditions in remote locations such as Tibet and
China, explored exotic locations such as the Galapagos Islands and
Antarctica, and skied in remote areas around the world; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan's personality, humor, vision and
entrepreneurial spirit were examples for all and inspiration to
many; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan was truly a man of legendary proportion,
and his sudden and unexpected passing has left a void in many lives
and in the State dynamic; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan was called from this Earth on February 12,
2005, passing away after a short illness; and
Whereas, Jon Dragan's pioneering spirit and his prodigious work
ethic enabled him to accomplish much in his relatively short
lifetime, and he leaves behind a legacy that will endure to the
great benefit of Fayette County and the State of West Virginia for
generations to come; and
Whereas, It is only fitting that we pay homage to "The Father
of Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia"
by naming in his honor the
access road State Route 25 from Glen Jean to Thurmond finding the
New River Gorge where so many thousands of whitewater rafters
travel each year to reach the New River;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the West Virginia Division of Highways is hereby
requested to name State Route 25 from Glen Jean to Thurmond in
Fayette County the "Jon Dragan Road";
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner
of the West Virginia Division of Highways, to Melanie Dragan, to
Jon and Melanie's daughter, Melissa, and to their son, Josh.
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