PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Mercer County Commission unanimously approved the creation of “The Ridges Economic Opportunities District” during its meeting on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the development of a transformative youth sports complex and economic hub in Mercer County.
This new district, encompassing 420 acres between Halls Ridge Road and Turnpike Industrial Road, near Exit 9 in Princeton, is poised to become a premier destination for youth sports tournaments and a catalyst for regional economic growth.
The Ridges project envisions a state-of-the-art travel ball sports complex featuring multiple athletic fields for baseball and softball, complemented by lodging, shopping, restaurants, and various other amenities. This comprehensive development aims to attract traveling youth sports teams and their families, injecting new vitality into the local economy.
The approval follows an extensive process, including public hearings held in July 2023 and the passage of West Virginia Senate Bill 1020 in the same month, which authorized the Mercer County Commission to levy a special district excise tax to support the complex.
“This order is the last step in creating The Ridges Economic Opportunity Development District,” said Attorney Carrie Cecil, who has been working closely with the Mercer County Economic Development Authority on the project. “We started this process back in 2023, and with the initial approval from the state and the Legislature’s willingness to add additional acreage, we have reached this crucial point.”
In March, the county received final approval of a supplemental application from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, clearing the path for the district’s official establishment. The special district excise tax, equivalent to the state sales tax, will be imposed on new businesses locating within the district, starting July 1, with dedicated funds to be segregated for district revenues.
Jordan Maynor, Executive Director of the Mercer County Economic Development Authority, expressed optimism about the project’s timeline. “That’s the hope. Before the year is out, we hope to see some progress being made,” Maynor stated. “Today was a big day – the official district was established. We got the approval from the state. Now, the final icing on the cake was getting the final approval from the Mercer County Commission to move on. This will start July 1 this year, and the district will be officially established.”
While specific groundbreaking dates are subject to the developer and prospective tenants, Maynor anticipates visible movement at Exit 9 before the end of the year.
The Mercer County Economic Development Authority encourages residents with questions about The Ridges district to reach out directly. The Authority’s office is located at 241 Mercer Springs Road, near Princeton. They can be contacted via email at mercereda@mercercountywv.org or by phone at 304-431-8521. Further information is also publicly available on their website.
About The Ridges Economic Opportunities District: The Ridges Economic Opportunities District is a 420-acre development located near Exit 9 in Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia. Its primary goal is to establish a premier youth sports complex featuring multiple athletic fields, lodging, retail, dining, and other amenities, driving economic growth and tourism in the region.
About the Mercer County Economic Development Authority: The Mercer County Economic Development Authority is dedicated to fostering economic growth and development within Mercer County, West Virginia, by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and promoting strategic initiatives that enhance the community’s prosperity.
