A $4 Billion Data Center in Berkeley County: Growth Must Serve the People, Not the Other Way Around

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West Virginia stands at a crossroads. A newly announced $4 billion “high‑impact intelligence center” planned for 548 acres in Falling Waters has the potential to reshape Berkeley County’s economy for decades. The project—led by Penzance Management, a developer known for building data centers for major cloud and AI companies—was unveiled at the State Capitol with promises of 1,000 construction jobs and roughly 125 permanent positions.

But as with all large‑scale development, the details matter. And right now, too many of those details remain hidden from the public.

What We Know

The developer specializes in “build‑to‑suit” hyperscale data centers, including facilities pre‑leased to Amazon Web Services.

The identity of the end user cannot be disclosed—not now, and possibly not even after leases are signed.

The project is valued at $4 billion and is projected to create about 125 long‑term jobs.

Data centers nationwide are expanding rapidly, but they bring real concerns: noise, aesthetics, energy demand, and limited permanent employment.

What We Don’t Know

  • Who the tenant will be
  • The timeline for construction and operation
  • The true long‑term job count
  • The energy and infrastructure demands
  • The tax structure and community benefit agreements
  • The environmental and quality‑of‑life impacts

These unanswered questions are not minor—they go to the heart of whether this project strengthens our communities or strains them.

My Position: Growth Must Be Transparent, Accountable, Community‑Centered, and Support Working People

Economic development is not inherently good or bad. It becomes good when it is done with the community, not to the community.

As I’ve written in previous blogs, West Virginia’s future must be built on three pillars:

Transparency in public decision‑making

Residents deserve to know who is coming into their communities, what resources they will consume, and what they will contribute. When a developer cannot disclose the identity of the end user, it prevents workers, unions, and taxpayers from understanding job quality, safety standards, and long‑term economic impact.

Fair, community‑centered economics

Development must strengthen local infrastructure, protect residential quality of life, and generate real, measurable benefits for taxpayers. That includes ensuring that tax incentives come with requirements for local hiring, apprenticeship utilization, and the use of skilled, licensed trades.

Constitutional stewardship and responsible governance

Government must safeguard the rights of residents, ensure fair taxation, and prevent sweetheart deals that shift burdens onto working families. Responsible growth requires public oversight—not corporate secrecy or political fanfare.

What This Means for Berkeley County

I support economic growth that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with community priorities. For this project, that means:

  • Disclosure of the end user as soon as legally possible
  • Public reporting on energy, water, and environmental impacts
  • Honest, verifiable job projections rather than inflated estimates
  • A tax structure that ensures the community—not just private developers—benefits
  • Engagement with residents on noise, aesthetics, and land‑use concerns
  • Guarantees that local infrastructure is not strained without compensation

But responsible growth also means standing with the workers who will build and maintain these facilities.

Standing with Unions and IBEW: Good Jobs Must Be Part of the Deal

A project of this scale demands the highest safety standards, the most skilled workforce, and a commitment to fair wages. That means ensuring that:

  • High‑voltage and high‑risk electrical work is performed by licensed, trained IBEW electricians
  • Construction jobs are local, union jobs that support apprenticeships and career pathways
  • Public incentives require prevailing wage, safety compliance, and fair labor practices
  • Data‑center development does not undermine collective bargaining or worker protections

When West Virginia invests in major infrastructure, the return on that investment must include good jobs for West Virginia workers, not low‑wage subcontracting or out‑of‑state labor.

A Better Path Forward

We can welcome innovation and investment while still insisting on transparency, accountability, and fairness. We can pursue high‑tech opportunities without sacrificing the character of our communities. And we can build a future where development strengthens—not divides—our state.

As Delegate for District 99, I will champion economic development that:

  • Honors our values
  • Protects our communities
  • Supports union labor and skilled trades
  • Ensures transparency and public accountability
  • Leaves West Virginia stronger tomorrow than it is today

My Commitment

I’m committed to economic growth that strengthens our communities, protects working families, and honors the people who make West Virginia work. That means full transparency from developers, fair taxation that benefits local residents, and clear reporting on how major projects will affect our roads, utilities, water systems, and neighborhoods. I will always stand with skilled, licensed union labor—especially IBEW electricians—so public incentives create real, safe, high‑quality jobs here at home. Technology and innovation should lift communities up, not leave them behind, and every development should reflect fairness, accountability, and respect for the people who call this place home.