Manchin commits to Dow park deal after House OKs relocating higher ed agencies

With lawmaker OK, W.Va. gov commits to Dow deal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin committed to salvaging the South Charleston Technology Park on Thursday, after winning the necessary legislative support.

The House of Delegates amended and then by 76-23 passed a Senate bill to allow the Higher Education Policy Commission and Council for Community and Technical College Education to relocate from downtown Charleston to the park.

What is now Dow Chemical Co. has conducted research at the park for more than 60 years. While agreeing to maintain a presence there under a three-year lease, Dow wants to give up a 258-acre section to the state.

Manchin envisions that parcel as home to state agencies as well as private research firms and a $15 million technology-training center. At a Capitol press conference, he said the tract will also host the Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College and state agriculture facilities.

The donation also includes $10 million as well as buildings and infrastructure valued at $24 million, Dow said in a release.

The commission would run the property, and must still approve the deal. Chancellor Brian Noland said his agency hopes to complete the move within the next year.

The Senate introduced and unanimously passed the bill last week, and must now agree to the House changes for it to reach Manchin’s desk.

Most of the House’s Republicans opposed the bill. They questioned the long-term cost, and cited the constitutional mandate making Charleston the seat of state government.