Lewis County Economic Development Authority Director Doug Parsons announced Monday that the area will soon be home to a Pilot Travel Center, a one-stop shop for the professional driver and traveling motorist.

The travel center will be next to the Weatherford property just off of Interstate 79 in Jane Lew. The center will bring 50 jobs and an annual payroll of about $1 million to the county.

"It's the type of company that could bring other enterprises to the area," Parsons told Lewis County commissioners at their regular meeting Monday. "It brings an extra food option and grocery option to the northern part of the county, which is sorely needed."

The center will be just the second to locate in West Virginia, the other being just off of Interstate 64 in Nitro. It will have a nationally known fast-food chain, along with game rooms, showers and laundry facilities, computer area and financial services.

Pilot Travel Centers is the nation's largest operator of these facilities, having about 300 sites in 40 states. Its headquarters is in Knoxville, Tenn.

"They tell me a lot of over-the-road truckers plan their stops at this place," Parsons said.

Parsons said construction is expected to begin in late spring, and the facility should be open by the end of 2010.

In other matters, the commissioners approved appropriating $540 to help offset the costs of the annual Santa's House. The event is held each Saturday in December, giving children the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus and to have their picture taken with him. The visit and photo are at no cost to the child. Santa's House is located on Main Avenue in Weston, and it is sponsored in part by the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.

Greg Cunningham was sworn in as the county's representative to the Region VII Planning and Development Council.