More than 1,400 West Virginians and people across the country have signed an online petition and joined a Facebook page urging state and local leaders to take immediate action to prevent the demolition of the South Charleston Technology Park.   That number continues to grow by the hour as people come to the realization that a wrecking ball is headed toward one of the best economic development opportunities this state has seen in decades.

Unless decision makers finalize plans to accept Dow’s donation of property and buildings located at the park to the State of West Virginia, rare demonstration plants and other valuable laboratory facilities could be closed and razed within weeks — taking with them up to 500 quality jobs and closing the door to the promise of 2,000+ new research and technology-related opportunities for West Virginians.

We urge our leaders to come together to preserve and create high-value jobs, make our region highly competitive in research and development and create new opportunities for West Virginia’s coal, natural gas, chemical and other leading industries.

The people have spoken – we hope our leaders are listening:

“The South Charleston Tech Park is key to my family’s future in West Virginia. Please act to keep the tech park open and the companies based there in business. I am a sixth generation West Virginian. Please take these steps so my kids have a better chance to stay in West Virginia.”

“This is the most valuable land asset in our entire region. It is a linchpin for development.”

“The loss of a facility of this type is inexcusable! The talent pool in this valley is tremendous and without the labs contained at the center, we will continue to see our smartest and talented citizens leave.”

“I need my job, and a place to do it in.”

“The federal government is going to spend billions of dollars on energy research over next 30 years to develop clean, CO2 capturing use of fossil fuels and to develop use of alternative energy sources. West Virginia needs to be part of this and capture economic value and jobs from this federal spending.” (more…)