In recent days you may have read about a project that would rejuvenate the South Charleston Technology Park. 

If realized, the project could generate hundreds if not thousands of high value jobs, make our region highly competitive in research and development and create new opportunities for West Virginia’s coal, natural gas and other leading industries.

At stake is a pending donation by Dow Chemical Company of valuable buildings and land located at the technology park to the State of West Virginia.

But this is not just a real estate transfer — it’s about the future of West Virginia.

The purpose of this message is to tell you why this project matters to you, your business and everyone in our region, and what you can do today to help make it happen.

Background

For more than 50 years, the tech park arguably was the top research center in the chemical industry.  Dozens of patents were produced there each year, resulting in globally distributed products worth billions of dollars.

The center’s work force of more than 2,600 included many scientists and engineers with advanced degrees, as well as a large support staff of highly skilled technicians and operators.  The average pay of about $75,000 — in the 1990s —  was significantly higher than average in the area and contributed greatly to the region’s economy.

That was then

Today, Dow has moved much of its research and development operation elsewhere.  With the continual downsizing at that facility, most of the tech park will soon be empty and, unless we move quickly, is set for demolition.  That would be devastating for the region, state and even the nation. 

However, the situation offers a significant opportunity and a foundation for future growth for West Virginia.   With low-cost research facilities and a highly skilled workforce already in place, we have the physical and intellectual resources necessary to transition the park into a world-class center of energy research and innovation.

This is now

Innovation is what our state desperately needs as its largest economic driver — coal — faces growing challenges. The Alliance believes that, as with any business, research, development and innovation will play a pivotal role in the coal industry’s ability to remain competitive in a changing world.

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama pledged his support for “continued investments in clean coal technologies.”  Just last week, Governor Manchin, along with governors from other major coal producing states, met with the President to share their concerns about the industry’s future. The outcome?   President Obama announced the creation of a special task force to explore carbon capture and storage.  

Perhaps at no other time in our nation’s history has there been greater potential for millions of research dollars to be directed to West Virginia.  Who better to lead the nation in energy innovation than one of the nation’s leading suppliers of coal and natural gas? 

Should we step aside and let other states develop new coal and natural gas technologies and create hundreds and thousands of jobs that go along with them?  Can we trust those states to do what’s right for West Virginia?

Dow already has placed a carbon sequestration pilot plant near the South Charleston Technology Park, which could be expanded. Why not build on that foundation to advance the research that will help coal continue to be a major source of domestic energy and jobs for West Virginians?

The time is now

Governor Manchin recognizes the value of the South Charleston Technology Park to the future of West Virginia.  We appreciate his strong leadership in pursuing the opportunity that this project presents. Thanks to his commitment, the donation from Dow to the State of West Virginia is close to complete.  

Right now, officials are addressing local issues that could affect the outcome of the donation.  While important, these matters should not derail a project that will benefit the greater good of the Mountain State for generations to come.  We are confident that with the will to create a better future for West Virginia, our leaders can see this project through to the finish line.

We invite you today to join the Alliance in encouraging Governor Manchin, South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens and everyone involved in the outcome of the project to continue their dedication to make it a reality.  They have worked hard, and with our encouragement, we believe they can and will make this project a “go” for the future of our state.

So much at stake

The “new” technology park will be a dynamic environment for commercializing research.  Large companies will be welcomed and entrepreneurs and start-up companies will be nurtured.  New products and new companies will be created to stimulate economic growth and solve today’s critical challenges, many with national and global significance.

We have a brief window of opportunity. Dow has been waiting for more than two years to give our state the gift of the future, and cannot be expected to put major business decisions on hold indefinitely.  Failure to finalize plans for the transfer of tech park property could doom the project to failure.  

The land, research facilities and infrastructure are available. Many highly experienced and successful researchers, innovators and technical workers are still here in the Kanawha Valley. With these ingredients and some creative thinking, we once again can have a bustling research enterprise in our community — and all the economic benefits it would bring. But we cannot wait indefinitely. The facilities and work force will not be here forever. The time to act is now.

The Alliance, Chemical Alliance Zone, MATRIC, City of South Charleston, Mountaineer Capital, the Regional Intergovernmental Council and other organizations committed to our region’s future have worked together for more than a year to support the Governor and the Higher Education Policy Commission on this project.  We successfully applied for $500,000 in federal funding for the park, which was received in mid-2009.  Clearly, with the challenges that face us, even the federal government is hoping we can all work together for the greater good outlined above.

Call to action

If you care about creating high value jobs for West Virginians, giving our young people the promise of a brighter future and helping to solve the challenges facing our state’s industries, then share your views on what the “new” South Charleston Technology Park means to you, your business and your family today.

We urge you to contact Governor Manchin and local leaders to thank them for their leadership and encourage their continued dedication to seizing this once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of West Virginia:

Governor Manchin:  (304) 558-2000 or at Governor@WVGov.org

South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens:  (304) 744-5300 or at scmayor@cityofsouthcharleston.com

Learn more at www.savethetechpark.com

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