The State Building Commission approved a $16,500,000 project to construct a ranger contact station, maintenance facility, parking and utilities at Drive Branch State Park.

Deputy Commissioner Grier Tidwell presented the Department of Environment and Conservation’s request, saying the new facilities will rely on off‑grid methods for utilities. "These new facilities will actually rely on off grid methods to provide utilities, including but not limited to solar and generator power, battery storage, water wells, and on‑site wastewater disposal," Tidwell said. "Cost of 16,500,000 and we request your approval."

Following a motion and second, the commission voted to adopt the item; no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript and no members raised objections during the discussion.

The item as presented described the project scope and the department’s intent to use on‑site power and utilities solutions. The presentation did not include a detailed engineering design, environmental review specifics, a construction timeline beyond the approval action, or a funding breakdown beyond the total cost and capital budget context. The commission did not request additional study or direct staff to provide follow‑up reports during the meeting.