Data Center Rules Published, Summit Point Grant Gets Green Light
Published 2 days ago • 9 min read
Observer Weekly
November 26, 2025
Jefferson County, WV news & events
Happy Thanksgiving! We’re publishing a day early this week so we can enjoy some time with our family on Thursday. We hope to see you around the county this weekend for the many festivities that kick off the holiday season.
— Steve Pearson
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.
State Proposes Rules To Fast-Track Data Center Projects
The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has proposed the rule to implement a data center and microgrid law enacted earlier this year. Public comment on the Certified Microgrid Development Program rule is being accepted until noon on December 10, 2025.
The proposed rules define how the Secretary of Commerce will certify microgrids and high impact data centers to qualify for the Microgrid Development Program:
The Secretary of Commerce shall have 14 days to certify data center projects
The Secretary of Commerce shall have 2 months to certify microgrid projects
The applications for certification will be confidential (no public comment)
A key provision of HB 2014 removes all local oversight for data center and microgrid projects that are certified by the Secretary of Commerce for this program.
HB 2014 defines “microgrids” as facilities that bypass the local utility to produce electricity for on-site customers. “High impact data centers,” which is what HB 2014 aims to fast track, require 90 megawatts or more of electricity (a typical data center can require 100 megawatts or more, so pretty much any new facility will meet this definition).
Lack Of Local Control Sparks Concern
During the legislative debate earlier this year, Jefferson County Commissioner Cara Keys among other local officials raised concerns about how HB 2014 would remove all local control over data center projects. Keys’ initial review of the proposed rule led her to remark to The Observer that “there is currently nothing that would address serious omissions in HB 2014. Specifically, screening, setbacks, buffers, ground water usage, and other protections for neighboring properties are not mentioned once in HB 2014 or this rule draft. Without these, the currently proposed rules offer no safeguards for local communities or strained water resources. I would like to think a complete omission of rules around the actual footprint and direct impact of these datacenters is simply a mistake, and I will work closely with our local legislators to raise these concerns so we can hopefully get this corrected before these rules are finalized.”
The Rulemaking Process — With An Emergency Provision
After the comment period is closed on December 10, the Department of Economic Development may modify the proposed rule based on the comments received. According to the standard rulemaking process, the next steps are:
The rule is filed with the Legislative Rule Making Review Committee (LRMRC) along with copies of the comments and the agency’s response to them.
If the LRMRC recommends no changes to the rule, it is presented to the full legislature for approval during the regular session.
If the LRMRC requests changes to the rule, it goes back to the agency for changes, and that version is presented to the full legislature for approval during the regular session.
The proposed rules for the Certified Microgrid Development Program were filed with an “emergency notice” which means the rule will go into effect as currently published on December 22, 2025. The emergency implementation of a rule is valid for 15 months or until the legislature approves its version of the rule, whichever comes first.
State Legislators Have Concerns, Will Meet In January
In addition to emailing comments to Garner.Marks@WV.gov, the designated contact person for the Department of Economic Development, Jefferson County residents can contact state legislators directly with comments:
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Utility Board Reverses Decision, Votes To Apply For Grant
The Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) held a special meeting on Tuesday, November 25 and voted to apply for a state grant that could fund the design and construction of a new water and sanitary sewer system in Summit Point. This vote reversed a decision CTUB made two weeks ago to pass on the grant opportunity.
The proposed project would serve the Summit Point Motorsports Park and Training Facility (Summit Point MP/TF) as well as provide fire hydrants accessible to the surrounding community.
The grant is being offered by the West Virginia Water Development Authority from its Economic Enhancement Grant Fund (EEGF). According to information provided by the Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council (Region 9), this particular grant does not require any local matching funds, but it does require an “economic impact study” to be completed. That study is being funded by Summit Point MP/TF and is expected to be completed by the end of December. The Region 9 spokesperson said the Water Development Authority had approximately $70 million available to disburse from the EEGF as of July 2025. Applications for EEGF grants are accepted on a rolling basis and the Water Development Authority expects to receive several other applications this year.
Governor Patrick Morrisey reviews EEGF grant applications and makes recommendations on the projects he endorses to the Water Development Authority, according to the Region 9 spokesperson. The Governor emphasized the importance of keeping his office informed of major development proposals and projects during a visit to the Eastern Panhandle on October 17 to discuss economic development.
Once the Water Development Authority makes a decision on funding, CTUB will need to review the grant conditions before it takes the next steps to accept the grant and proceed with the design phase of the project.
Explaining The Vote
At its November 12 meeting, the utility board members who voted against pursuing the grant raised concerns about the obligations it would impose on CTUB. At this week’s meeting, the board received clearer assurances that it would have additional opportunities to evaluate the project before making a final commitment to accept any funding. All of the utility board members emphasized that the project will need to be financially self-supporting so that current utility customers are not asked to share the costs of construction, operation, or future maintenance of the proposed facility.
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Jefferson Recovery Closet Opens Pop-Up For Free Shopping
Cozy Closet Days is a community-driven initiative that aims to support Jefferson County families who find themselves stretched thin this holiday season.
The pop-up shop is presented by the Jefferson County Recovery Closet, an initiative supported by donations and volunteers from the 28th Circuit Probation Office. Paige Wharton and Cathy Bishop of the Eastern Panhandle Clothing Swap spearheaded the organization, setup, and design of the shopping spaces — transforming donated goods into a clean, welcoming, and dignified boutique-style experience for anyone in need.
The pop-up shop will operate at Corner Connection (108 South Samuel St., Charles Town). The stock includes clothing, shoes, toys, and household items. All items are completely free, with no requirements or appointments — just an open door and neighborly support.
Cozy Closet Days will open on Friday, November 28 between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. The pop-up shop plans to be open throughout December on Tuesdays (9 am - 7 pm) and Fridays (10 am - 3 pm).
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Christmas in the Park — Annual holiday event’s lights and decorated tree displays will be viewable starting Wednesday, Nov 26. War Memorial Park, 500 N Tennessee Ave, Martinsburg. Free. Info…
Mynabirds live at Admiral Analog’s — In-store live music by Mynabirds to celebrate music store Admiral Analog’s new location at 119 East German St, Shepherdstown. Wednesday, Nov 26, 7 pm (reopening event starts at 11 am). Free. Info…
Thanksgiving Community Dinner — Free holiday meal provided by Alma Bea Restaurant. No reservations needed and donations accepted to benefit local non-profit organizations. 202 East Washington St, Shepherdstown. Thursday, Nov 27, noon - 3 pm (or until food runs out). Free. Info…
Cozy Closet Days — Gently-used clothing, toys, children’s items, and more are free at this community-centered event designed to support local families during the holiday season. 108 South Samuel St, Charles Town. Friday, Nov 28, 9 am - 6 pm, and Tuesdays (9 am - 6 pm) and Saturday (10 am - 3 pm) until Christmas or until supplies run out. Free. Info…
Ho Ho Holiday Market — Annual Holiday market event hosted by the Shepherdstown Community Club at the War Memorial Building, 102 East German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 28 – Sunday, Nov 30, 10 am - 4 pm. Continues each weekend until Dec 21. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Holiday Marketplace at the Entler Hotel — For more than 30 years, this annual Holiday Market has featured local crafts vendors. Historic Entler Hotel, 129 East German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 28, 10 am - 8 pm and Saturday, Nov 29 – Sunday, Nov 30, 10 am - 4:30 pm. Info…
Ho Ho Holiday Film — Enjoy a classic holiday show on the big screen before Shepherdstown’s Welcome to Christmas event. Suitable for all ages. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 28, 4 pm. Free. Info…
Shepherdstown Welcomes Christmas — Beloved annual tradition that includes a Shepherdstown Fire Department bonfire, Kiwanis chili supper, Mrs. Claus storytime, Santa’s arrival by firetruck, and tree lighting. Downtown Shepherdstown. Friday, Nov 28, 5:30 - 9 pm. Free. Info…
The Market at Charles Washington Hall — Juried craft vendors and pop-up 1786 speakeasy. 100 West Washington St, Charles Town. Saturday, Nov 29, 10 am. Free. Info…
Clarke County Farmers’ Market - Holiday Market — Small-business holiday shopping event in Berryville. 317 West Main St, Berryville, VA. Saturday, Nov 29, 9 am - 1 pm. Free. Info…
Ho Ho Holiday Film — Enjoy a classic holiday show on the big screen. Suitable for all ages. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown. Saturday, Nov 29, 3 pm. Free. Info…
Ranson Tree Lighting — Community tree lighting and holiday-season gathering that includes roast marshmallows and visits with Santa and other holiday characters. 312 S Mildred St, Ranson. Saturday, Nov 29, 6 - 8 pm. Free. Info…
’Tis the Season Party — Holiday-season gathering hosted by the Middleway Conservancy featuring visits and photos with Santa, hot chocolate and cider, and traditional crafts. 112 East Street, Middleway. Sunday, Nov 30, 2 - 5 pm. Info…
Celtic Harp Trio — Live harp music performance at the Brunswick Branch Library, 915 North Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD. Sunday, Nov 30, 2 - 3 pm. Free. Info…
Ho Ho Holiday Film — Enjoy classic animated holiday films on the big screen. Suitable for all ages. Shepherdstown Opera House, 131 W German St, Shepherdstown. Sunday, Nov 30, 3 pm. Free. Info…
A Christmas Carol — Live production of Dickens’ classic. Old Opera House, 204 N George St, Charles Town. Thursday, Dec 4 – Sunday, Dec 14, times vary. $ Tickets & Info…
All Jefferson County residents are welcome to watch and comment at local government meetings. Here’s what’s on the calendar for next week (click on the links to view agendas).
Dec 1 (Mon): Town hall meeting with state legislators. Meet state Sen. Barrett and Delegates Anders, Clark, Funkhouser & Ridenour and ask them questions. 6:00 pm at The Corner Connection (106 South Samuel St, Charles Town).
Dec 1 (Mon): Jefferson County Schools Board of Education. Regular meeting begins at 6:00 pm in the Washington High School auditorium (300 Washington Patriots Drive, Charles Town).
Dec 1 (Mon): Charles Town City Council. Regular meeting begins at 7:00 pm in the City Hall meeting room (101 East Washington St, Charles Town).
Dec 2 (Tue): Ranson City Council. Regular meeting begins at 7:00 pm in the City Hall meeting room (312 South Mildred St, Ranson). Agenda includes a rezoning request for Sleepy Hollow subdivision off Crane’s Lane.
Dec 2 (Tue): Bolivar Town Council. Regular meeting begins at 7:30 at the Bolivar Community Center (60 Panama St, Bolivar).
Dec 3 (Wed): County Commission’s Agritourism Task Force. Meeting begins at 3:00 in the County Admin Center meeting room (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town — entrance is on the right side of the building). Agenda includes a discussion of the purpose of the task force, introduction of task force members (to be announced), review of agritourism opportunities and challenges in Jefferson County, discussion of changes to the county zoning ordinance related to facilitate agritourism activities.
Dec 4 (Thu): Jefferson County Commission. Regular meeting begins at 9:30 am in the County Admin Center meeting room (393 North Lawrence St, Charles Town — entrance is on the right side of the building). Agenda TBA.
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.
