OAKLAND - New development along U.S. Route 219 may change the entrance to the Garrett County Fairgrounds, according to Gary Mullich, director of general services.

Mullich presented a department update to the county commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. He said that the fair board is interested in closing the U.S. 219 entrance on its own but also there is a water park proposed next door.

Mullich said that this may put pressure on Mosser Road during activities at the fairgrounds, as the only entrances to the grounds for the public will require using that road.

Commission chairman Ernie Gregg said he felt that there will be added pressure on Bumblebee Road, which intersects with Mosser near the fairgrounds, as the community athletic complex is planned to be built not far from the fairgrounds.

"(The fair board) we're also looking at instead of the county being the recipient of the ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) Rural Development money, that the fair board be the recipient," Mullich said. "That would make our participation a little simpler."

Concerning the possible new indoor water park, Mullich said that the county might have to look at options for the owner, Jonathan Kessler, to be able to obtain a liquor license for the property, as a property owner is only allowed a single liquor license. Both Kessler and his wife had obtained licenses for Smiley's Pizzeria and for the Pine Lodge Saloon.

Mullich also reported that work continues at the county airport with specifications for a public T hangar being put together and property acquisition for two remaining properties at the site of the airport's expansion.

The county investment in constructing the hangar will be small and income will come in from rental of space, he said.

The commissioners also approved a recommendation for award of the installation of Motorola MC5500 Communications Console at the county 911 emergency center to Staley Communications Inc. for $47,170.

Sarah Moses can be reached at smoses@times-news.com.