A $24-million convention center that's been under construction in Morgantown for the past year is nearly finished.

The Wharf District Event Center along the Monongahela River is getting the final touches now, and furniture will be installed next month.

The 30,000-square-foot facility will be able to host trade shows, banquets and conventions.

Pascale Petter, marketing director for the Waterfront Hotel, says Morgantown has needed a large, first-class facility. This one will be able to host regional conferences that should draw business to the city.

The center will open for public events in April and already has events booked through 2010.

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