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Plan For Data Center Complex Near Kearneysville Approved
A 300-acre property that sits in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties is the site of a data center project that is already underway. The property includes two parcels in Berkeley County — a 90 acre site that will be used for 2 data center buildings and infrastructure, and a narrow parcel that will provide access from Charles Town Road (Route 115). The 191 acre portion of the property in Jefferson County is zoned for industrial use.
The Berkeley County Planning Commission approved the concept plan for the two Berkeley parcels in March. The Jefferson County Planning office has not yet received any plans to review for the parcel in Jefferson County.
The three parcels were sold in July 2024 by the F O Day Company to IB10 Martinsburg LLC. The properties have access to a natural gas pipeline and two high-capacity electric transmission lines. According to the plan documents, water and sewer service for the initial phase of the project will be provided by Berkeley County.
The Observer’s questions about the project were directed to QTS, a data center development company headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. A representative from QTS responded that “We are in the initial stages of planning. We look forward to expanding our footprint in West Virginia to meet growing demand from our customers in the market. As we thoughtfully work to advance the project, we will communicate updates.”
Follow this story at ObserverWV.com/kearneysville-data-centers.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Posting on social media after a car wreck could impact an injury claim, as insurance companies may use posts as evidence. Even saying “I’m fine” can be taken out of context. Videos showing physical activity, even from before the accident, may also be misused. Staying off social media may prevent issues with your claim. Learn more at SkinnerFirm.com.
Governor Morrisey Pushes Data Centers To Fund Budget
“The single biggest economic development bill in the state in a very long time,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey earlier today about HB 2014, legislation that sets up a new regulatory, energy, and tax framework to attract data centers to the Mountain State.
HB 2014’s key provisions include:
- “Certified Microgrids” Exempt from Usual Regulations. Data centers use a great deal of energy, so HB 2014 streamlines new power production for data centers by exempting such production from the usual Public Service Commission requirements and rates.
- New “Data Economy Liaison” for Data Centers. A new Charleston office under the Department of Commerce will act as the “single point of contact” for data center and associated energy facilities to help coordinate and expedite siting, permitting, licensing, and similar activities.
- Ban on Local Government Exercise of Powers. Section 5B-2-21b prohibits county and municipal governments from exercising their usual authorities when it comes to data centers in this program and related energy installations called “microgrids.”
- State to Take Incremental Property Tax Revenues. HB 2014 would pull into Charleston – instead of the county or municipality in which the data center facility is located - the incremental property taxes generated by such new developments. Such tax revenues can be substantial. For example, in Loudoun County, data center property taxes fund a majority of that county government’s operating budget. Under HB 2014, the new tax revenues would be allocated among six state funds, including 55% to a new Personal Income Tax Reduction Fund; 10% to a new Economic Development fund; and 10% to a new Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund.
HB 2014 was referred to the Senate Economic Development Committee. With the legislative session coming at the end of the week, the fate of this bill is uncertain.
The Observer will host a Zoom call tonight at 7:30 (April 7) to present a quick briefing about HB 2014 (click here to register). The recording will also be posted to The Observer’s YouTube channel.
>>>Read more...
Hundreds Rally In Charles Town For “Hands Off” Event
The chants of protestors and the honking of horns echoed throughout downtown Charles Town on Saturday, April 5, during the “Hands Off” rally. The Observer counted at least 600 protesters at 12:30 pm and the crowd was still at that number an hour later, even as people came and went over the course of the two hour rally.
The Charles Town Hands Off rally was one of over a thousand scheduled to take place across the country on April 5. According to social media posts by the event organizers, these rallies were intended to bring people together to “protest Project 2025 and the brazen and illegal power grab by Trump and Musk.”
The attendees at the Charles Town event ranged from toddlers to seniors in their 90s — and almost all were recognizable to The Observer as area residents. The mood at the rally was upbeat, despite the focus on protest.
>>>More coverage & images…
A message from Four Seasons Books
Join us on Thursday, April 10 at 6 pm for a conversation and book signing with bestselling author Emily Carpenter to celebrate her latest Southern Gothic thriller, Gothictown—now in development as a television series with AMC!
Local author Allison Gunn of debut novel Nowhere will join to discuss the enduring power of Southern and Appalachian storytelling, the craft of suspense writing, and how complex women and twisted secrets are transforming the thriller genre. Both books will be available for purchase at Four Seasons or online for preorder.
Four Seasons Books is located at 114 W. German Street, Shepherdstown. Event is free but register soon because space is limited. FourSeasonsBooks.com.
Fun Events Around Jefferson County This Week
It’s springtime in Jefferson County and that means things are blooming. To celebrate, Charles Town is throwing a party downtown this weekend, starting with the opening of the Charles Town Farmers Market Saturday morning at 9, followed by the Blooms & Blossoms festival downtown at noon, and wrapping up with an evening pub crawl. Saturday is also National Record Day, so stop by our local record shops for some new vinyl releases.
If you’re into music, swing by Shepherdstown on Saturday night. The Brothers of Harmony will be crooning at the Fire Hall. The Shepherd University Wind Ensemble is performing on campus. And if you’re more of a rock and roller, check out Keyth Jones and CassiRaye at the Shepherdstown Opera House.
It’s almost Easter — and that means egg hunts! You can find a couple this weekend, and more to come next weekend.
>>> Event details…
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