CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday a historic $4 billion private-sector investment that will establish West Virginia’s first High Impact Intelligence Center in the Eastern Panhandle.
Speaking in Charleston, Morrisey said Penzance Management’s Bedington Campus project will represent a total capital investment of $4 billion at full buildout. The development is expected to create jobs, strengthen local infrastructure and fund community programs in the region.
“This $4 billion investment is a historic win that proves West Virginia can compete at the highest level for the global tech economy,” said Governor Morrisey.
“By earning the state’s first High Impact Intelligence Center designation, Penzance is helping us transform the Mountain State into a powerhouse for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This project brings a massive new revenue stream to our communities – all driven by private capital and our commitment to a business-friendly, reliable energy strategy.”
The Bedington Campus will be located on 548 acres in the Falling Waters District of Berkeley County. At full buildout, the campus will total approximately 1.9 million square feet and deliver 600 megawatts of critical IT capacity, positioning the state to compete in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, advanced manufacturing and supercomputing sectors.
The project is expected to generate approximately 1,000 construction jobs and 125 full-time permanent positions, with potential for additional growth as the campus expands. State officials emphasized that no state funding was used, noting the investment is entirely backed by private capital.
“West Virginia has created a truly business-friendly environment for companies investing in digital infrastructure,” said Penzance Managing Partner and Founder Victor Tolkan.
“Governor Morrisey has championed policies that position the state as a leader in the data economy, and we’re proud to be part of that broader vision. Initiatives like HB 2014 and the High Impact Intelligence Center program demonstrate a clear commitment to attracting and supporting world-class intelligence center development. We look forward to a successful partnership with Berkeley County, the West Virginia Department of Commerce, and the State of West Virginia.”
Officials said the investment was made possible through the state’s Power Generation and Consumption Act and House Bill 2002, legislation aimed at streamlining permitting, expanding microgrid use and allowing companies to utilize coal, natural gas and other reliable energy sources.
The project qualified for the High Impact Intelligence Center designation after exceeding 90 megawatts of projected load and meeting engineering, environmental and utility coordination requirements.
The designation was approved following review by the state’s Data Economy Office and Department of Commerce.
Berkeley County Commission President Eddie Gochenour stated, “Following productive preliminary discussions with project leadership, Berkeley County officials, and Governor Morrisey’s team, I am very optimistic about this project. We have already identified a significant opportunity to potentially utilize reclaimed water, which will lower costs for the company, save taxpayer money for the county, and preserve our vital natural resources.”
“The annual revenue generated by this project will further cement Berkeley County’s reputation as the premier destination to live and work in the Mountain State. I am grateful for Governor Morrisey’s leadership in championing this type of investment.”
According to the governor’s office, the administration has now secured more than $10.5 billion in new private-sector investment and more than 9,000 projected private-sector jobs since October.
Combined with major federal commitments, total investment commitments under the current administration approach $12 billion, supporting more than 10,000 projected jobs statewide.
Under recently enacted microgrid legislation, revenue generated from projects like the Bedington Campus will be distributed as follows: 50 percent to a Personal Income Tax Reduction Fund; 30 percent to the host county; 10 percent distributed to all counties on a per capita basis; 5 percent to the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund; and 5 percent to the Economic Enhancement Grant Program.
