Data Center Rules, ICE Detention Center Protest, Ranson Zoning Discussion
Published about 23 hours ago • 12 min read
Observer Weekly
February 5, 2026
Jefferson County, WV news & events
The state legislature is chugging away in Charleston. This week we’re highlighting changes to the rules that will guide the new data projects that the state hopes to attract. According to several state legislators, we should expect to hear announcements about several projects in the next couple of months (none that we’ve heard of in Jefferson County so far).
Closer to home, the Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE detained 650 individuals in West Virginia in January. The planned ICE processing facility near Williamsport (story below) could be supporting expansion of detention efforts in the region later this year.
— Steve Pearson
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WV Legislative Committee Modifies New Data Center Rules
Concept drawing of Monarch Data Center campus planned for Mason County WV (photo courtesy Fidelis)
Last week, a key West Virginia legislative committee approved changes to the state’s new rules for large data centers and on-site power generation projects. The rules, which implement legislation passed last spring, were published by the WV Department of Economic Development in December 2025. The modified rules now move to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, and then to the full Legislature for final approval.
Background: West Virginia Data Center Law
Data centers are large buildings filled with computer servers that support cloud computing, social media, and artificial intelligence. Because data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity, some developers seek permission to build their own power plants— called microgrids — to provide the electricity needed to power these facilities.
In 2025, the Legislature passed House Bill 2014 (HB 2014), proposed and championed by Governor Patrick Morrisey as a strategy to attract data center development to West Virginia. The law shifts approval authority for large data center and microgrid projects from local governments to the state, directing most of the resulting tax revenue to the state rather than local jurisdictions.
HB 2014 was enacted despite vocal opposition from local officials and residents concerned about the loss of local control and tax base. The Observer’s research indicates that this level of state control over data center oversight and taxation is unique among U.S. states.
Under HB 2014, a “High Impact Data Center” is one that uses 90 megawatts or more of electricity for computer equipment — roughly equivalent to the power consumption of about 75,000 homes. A “microgrid district” may cover up to 2,250 acres and must consume at least 90 percent of the power it generates.
Four miles instead of one — Under the original proposed rules, parcels of land had to be within one mile of each other to be treated as a single project. The revised rules expand that distance to four miles. The language is unclear whether parcels may be “daisy-chained” (A connects to B, B to C) or must form a tighter cluster. Either interpretation allows data center developments to span a much larger geographic area than originally contemplated.
Disclosure of “inordinate burden” — The revised rules require applicants to disclose whether a project could deprive nearby property owners of nearly all economically beneficial use of their land—referred to as an “inordinate burden”—and to explain how such impacts would be mitigated. The rules do not require neighboring property owners to be notified or have access to these disclosures, nor do they specify how the state office will respond if applicants report potential harms.
State’s Data Center Coordinator can ask for more detail on projects — The revised rules include more detail about the types of information the state may request or consider when evaluating data center applications. They also clarify that the state’s review deadline is extended while applicants respond to information requests, opening the door to lengthier review times.
What This Means
The Legislature’s continued work on the implementing rules suggests ongoing concern about how HB 2014 addresses land use issues traditionally handled through local planning and zoning processes. At the same time, these rules cannot change the substance of HB 2014; they can only specify how the law is administered.
What Happens Next
The revised rules now go to the full Legislature, which may approve, amend, or reject them. If approved and signed by the Governor, the state will issue a final notice, and the rules will take effect.
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ICE Detention Facility In Williamsport Draws Protest
More than 200 people gathered outside a Washington County Commission meeting on February 3 in Hagerstown, Maryland, to express their concerns about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center that appears to be planned for a location just outside of Williamsport.
According to county deed records, the facility was purchased by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in January 2026. In a statement issued January 28, the Washington County Commission said the county’s Planning and Zoning Department had received a letter from DHS on January 14 stating that the DHS intends to establish “a new Baltimore ICE processing facility” in the 826,000-square-foot building located at 16220 Wright Road.
The commission’s statement also noted that the federal government is largely exempt from local zoning regulations.
To put the size of the planned ICE facility in Williamsport in context, the 826,000-square-foot building is significantly larger than these familiar local buildings:
Ranson Civic Center: 40,000 sq. ft.
Costco warehouse (Frederick, Md.): 148,000 sq. ft.
Hollywood Casino (Charles Town): 200,000 sq. ft.
Walmart (Charles Town): 212,000 sq. ft.
Washington High School: 220,000 sq. ft.
A Nationwide Detention System
According to reporting in The Washington Post and other national news outlets, DHS is in the process of acquiring 15 additional facilities of similar size to serve as “processing sites,” each capable of holding up to 1,500 people. The department is also planning seven or more large-scale detention centers designed to hold between 5,000 and 10,000 people per site.
ICE documents related to these acquisitions state that the purpose of the new facilities is to “maximize efficiency, minimize costs, shorten processing times, limit lengths of stay, accelerate the removal process, and promote the safety, dignity, and respect of all in ICE custody.”
DHS has stated a goal of deporting 1 million individuals annually. In a December statement, the department reported that 605,000 individuals were deported in 2025.
At the same time, data show a significant shift in the makeup of the ICE detention population. According to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, 6% of people detained by ICE in January 2025 did not have criminal records. By December 2025, TRAC reports that figure had risen to 40%.
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Ranson Council Discusses Rezoning, Festivals, and 5K Race
Brooke Perry of Integrity Federal Services presents rezoning request to Ranson City Council on February 3.
Ken Suits, the mayor of Ranson, opened the City Council meeting on March 3 by noting his appreciation for the hard work of the City’s staff during the recent snow storm. Suits remarked that the emergency shelter in the Civic Center was fully staffed around the clock but that thankfully only a dozen people needed services during the storm and cold weather that followed.
Housing Planned For Cranes Lane Property
Most of the meeting was taken up with a discussion about rezoning a 161 acre parcel located on Cranes Lane. Forestar Group, a subsidiary of homebuilder D.R. Horton, is requesting to change the zoning on 125 acres of the parcel from “Rural Reserve” to “R6” (suburban residential). The developer has not yet submitted a concept plan for the site, but the R6 designation would allow for several hundred homes to be built on the site.
During public comment prior to the council’s discussion, speakers from the Jefferson County Foundation raised several concerns about the rezoning, notably the single access route via Crane’s lane which is currently a very narrow lane running through farm fields and crossing a railroad track before it connects to Mildred Street at a very tight intersection.
Cranes Lane, looking west.
Brooke Perry, a project manager with Integrity Federal Services, presented the rezoning proposal for Forestar. At the conclusion of her presentation, she emphasized that the question at hand is a rezoning request and that the City would still need to review detailed site plans (a plat) to allow any subdivision to proceed. In her remarks, Perry noted that the City would be well within its rights to reject any subdivision plan that did not include a connection to Old Leetown Road. The Council expects to hold a public hearing on the rezoning request and a second hearing on the in March.
On a lighter note, the City Council had a discussion about the Ranson Festival and Car Show. This year’s event will take place the first week of June in the usual location on Mildred Street (in front of the Independent Fire Hall). The Council heard from the city staff about the Casino’s interest in hosting the event in its parking lot, but after a spirited conversation about the “small town” vibe of the event the council members were in agreement that it should stay in its current location.
Ranson Gets In Shape
The 2026 Ranson 5K Race and Health & Wellness Fair will take place on March 7. Registration for the race is now open, with early bird pricing until February 28.
A message from the Shepherdstown Opera House
Come out and dance the winter blues away with Ginada Piñata at the Shepherdstown Opera House on Saturday, February 7. Doors open at 7:30, show at 8:00.
Rippon Solar stormwater permit issued — The WV Department of Environmental Protection has issued a stormwater permit for the Rippon industrial solar facility planned for 900 acres along Kabletown Road. The next step for the project is to obtain a building permit from Jefferson County. The company has previously stated it intends to substantially complete construction by the end of 2026. You can read The Observer’s coverage of industrial solar in Jefferson County here.
Blake Solar violations continue — The WV Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) continues to issue violation notices to Horus West Virginia 1 LLC for deficiencies at the Blake industrial solar facility off Charles Town Road. In 2025 the company entered into a consent agreement with the WV DEP to address the deficiencies in its stormwater management that caused significant erosion and runoff into Evitts Run and the Shenandoah River. In December, the WV DEP notified Horus that its remediation plan was not acceptable.
CTUB Utility Manager resigns — Kristen Stolpher, the General Manager of the Charles Town Utility Board submitted a letter of resignation last week. The CTUB board met earlier today (February 5) to accept the resignation and will meet next week to plan for hiring a new manager to oversee the water and sanitary sewer operations of CTUB.
This year’s Puzzle Mania is extra special — it’s the 10th Anniversary! In celebration, we are honoring the event founders, Alice Barkus and Heather Marshall. Alice was a joyful, generous woman whose deep impression remains with us; her legacy lives on in this fun, charitable event borne of a favorite hobby. Heather’s involvement with Friends of Music spans 25+ years. Inspired by her friend, Alice, Heather organized and ran Puzzle Mania until 2024. Cheers to these groundbreaking creators! …We hope to see you there! This year’s event is February 22, 1pm-4pm, at the Shepherd Wellness Center. Tickets are $100 per team of 4, available at www.friendswv.org
Arts, Culture & Community Events
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Art Exhibit: The Audacity of the Mundane — Photography by Charlee Brodsky. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 3–Tuesday, Mar 31. Free. Info…
Puzzle Club & Exchange — A casual evening for puzzle enthusiasts to swap, work, and socialize together. MCC Library, 58 Mission Road, Harpers Ferry. Friday, Feb 6, 7 - 9 pm. Free. Info…
Moonstruck — The classic romantic comedy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage presented by the Shepherdstown Film Society. Optional post-film discussion. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Feb 6, 7:30 pm. Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets & Info…
Arsenic and Old Lace — The classic dark comedy presented by the Old Opera House over a two-week run. Old Opera House, 204 North George St, Charles Town. Friday–Sunday, Feb 6–15. $ Tickets & Info…
Shepherdstown Elementary: Community Farewell — A public farewell gathering marking the closure of Shepherdstown Elementary School. Old Elementary School, 662 South Church St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Feb 7, 10 am - noon. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Valentine’s Markets — Visit two handmade markets featuring local makers and vendors celebrating Valentine’s Day: 1) in the War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, and 2) in the Skull City Studio and Roving Peregrine Theatre buildings on South Princess St. Both in Shepherdstown. Saturday, Feb 7, 11 am - 4 pm (until 5 pm in War Memorial Building). Free. Info… and More Info…
Starting a Vegetable Garden — A WVU Extension program covering the basics of starting a home vegetable garden. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Feb 7, 10:30 am - noon. Free. Info…
Live Music: Ginada Piñata — A high-energy live performance by the eclectic ensemble Ginada Piñata. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Feb 7, 8 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
The Ballroom Bash — A fundraising event for Happy Retreat featuring live music by 80s tribute band The Reflex. Charles Washington Hall, 101 East Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Feb 7, 8 - 11 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Superbowl Dinner — A community dinner hosted by the Shepherdstown Fire Department on Super Bowl Sunday. Shepherdstown Fire Department, 8052 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Feb 8, noon - 3 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Information Session for Shepherd University Lifelong Learning — An overview of lifelong learning opportunities offered through Shepherd University. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 10, 1 pm. Free. Info…
Story Artist: Vijai Nathan — A live storytelling performance presented by the Speak Story Series. Byrd Center at Shepherd University, 213 North King St, Shepherdstown. Tuesday, Feb 10, 7:30 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Harpers Ferry Civil War Roundtable — A monthly dinner meeting focused on Civil War history and scholarship. Camp Hill UMC, 645 Washington St, Harpers Ferry. Wednesday, Feb 11, 6:30 pm. $ Info…
Film + Discussion: The Mothman Prophecies — A screening of the cult classic based on real events in Point Pleasant, WV followed by optional discussion with Shepherd University History Professor Ben Bankhurst and Point Pleasant representative Chris Rizer. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 West German St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Feb 12, 7 pm. $ Tickets & Info…
Firehouse Gallery Y"ART" Sale — A multi-day gallery sale featuring affordable artwork and gifts. Firehouse Gallery, 108 North George St, Charles Town. Thursday, Feb 12–Sunday, Feb 22. Free. Info…
Ongoing
Celebrating Small Things — A month-long art exhibit featuring award-winning wildlife photography with proceeds supporting the library. Shepherdstown Public Library, 145 Higbee Ln, Shepherdstown. Runs until Saturday, Jan 31 during library hours. Free. Info…
Phaze 2 Gallery: ToUgH sHaPes Opening Reception — Exhibit explores geometric form and perception. Phaze 2 Gallery, Shepherd University, 92 West Campus Drive, Shepherdstown. Gallery is open 4-7 pm M-F. Free. Info…
Diana Suttenfield Art Exhibition – A new exhibition of Diana Suttenfield’s work at The Bridge Gallery, 8566 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown. Exhibit runs until Feb 28. Free.Info…
St. Isidore Market — Community market offering locally produced food and goods. St. James Church, 49 Crosswinds Dr, Charles Town. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Spotlight — Shepherd University Lifelong Learning Program
Eric Thompson, speaking about his Comparative Mythology class in the Spring 2026 Lifelong Learning program.
The Lifelong Learning Program at Shepherd University is a volunteer member-driven program dedicated to offering stimulating academic courses and activities to the community. Lifelong Learning offers two 6 week course sessions (March – April and September – October), “brown bag” lectures throughout the school year, and organized day trips with an educational component. Lifelong Learning also partners with educational travel organizations for national and international travel tours.
Lifelong Learning Program will hold an information session at the Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Lane, Shepherdstown) on February 1o at 10:00 am.
Every week, The Observer digs into the details that matter in Jefferson County. Our content is free for everyone to read, but producing well-researched local news isn’t free.
