Governor Morrisey Announces $40 Million for West Virginia Industrial Sites

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West Virginia commits $40 million to industrial site readiness

West Virginia is investing $40 million to prepare industrial sites for manufacturing and distribution projects, according to a report from the Governor’s office.

The funding aims to accelerate private-sector investment by ensuring that land is ready for immediate use when companies arrive. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the package on November 10, 2026, noting that the state cannot afford to lose economic opportunities because of a lack of prepared sites.

The investment is split between two distinct programs designed to tackle different stages of the development process. The largest portion, $25 million, is allocated to the 2026 Mountain State Ready Shell Building Loan Program, while $15 million is dedicated to the 2026 Mountain State Ready Site Readiness Grant Program.

New loans for industrial shell buildings

The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) will manage the $25 million loan program. These loans, which can reach up to $5 million per project, are intended to fund the construction of industrial shell buildings between 30,000 and 50,000 square feet.

To ensure the investment translates into high-quality employment, the program includes specific requirements for future tenants. Companies occupying these buildings must pay at least 120 percent of the county median wage and are expected to provide one job for every 750 square feet of space.

The program offers flexible repayment terms to help facilitate these developments. By providing the “shell” of a building, the state hopes to reduce the time it takes for a company to move from an initial decision to active production.

Grants for infrastructure and site preparation

The remaining $15 million will be distributed through the 2026 Mountain State Ready Site Readiness Grant Program. Administered by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC), these grants target the foundational work required before a building can even be considered.

Eligible projects include environmental assessments, engineering, grading, and the installation of utility infrastructure. These preparations are aimed at attracting a diverse range of operations, including manufacturing, research and development, and distribution centers.

Governor Morrisey Announces Historic $40 Million Investment in Industrial Site Readiness

The West Virginia Division of Economic Development, under the Department of Commerce, will oversee the administration of both the loan and grant programs.

Program Name Funding Amount Primary Mechanism Target Use
2026 Mountain State Ready Shell Building Loan Program $25 Million Loans (up to $5M per project) 30,000–50,000 sq. ft. shell buildings
2026 Mountain State Ready Site Readiness Grant Program $15 Million Grants Environmental, engineering, and utilities

Regional impacts and economic stakes

The economic implications of this funding vary by region, addressing specific geographical and industrial needs across the state. In Mingo County, the focus is on the transformation of post-mine land into economic drivers.

“In Mingo County, we have demonstrated that post-mine land can be transformed into regional economic drivers when paired with the right resources,” said Greta Curry, Executive Director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority.

For the Eastern Panhandle, the priority is maintaining growth momentum through infrastructure support. Meanwhile, the state’s polymer and chemical corridor requires a constant supply of ready land to sustain its existing supply chain connectivity.

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Lindsey Piersol, Executive Director of the Wood County Economic Development Office, noted that “speed-to-market” is often the deciding factor for site selectors. She stated that the combination of shell building loans and infrastructure grants provides the tools necessary to move projects from preliminary plans to a turnkey reality.

The initiative arrives as the state attempts to build upon nearly $96 billion in previously announced private-sector investments. Local economic development authorities, county commissions, and municipal governments are eligible to apply for the funds.

To maintain momentum, projects receiving awards are required to begin within six months. Final awards remain subject to approval by the appropriate WVEDA or IJDC boards.

The state's economy faces a unique challenge where topography often complicates development. Bill Bissett, President of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, noted that while the state has natural beauty, the terrain can be a hurdle for economic expansion.

Zack Maynard, a West Virginia State Senator representing District 7, highlighted the potential for capital diversification in counties like Boone, Lincoln, Logan, and Kanawha. He suggested that reclaiming and repurposing land for industry is essential for the future of the coalfields.

Detailed guidance and application information for these programs can be found at the official state website: https://westvirginia.gov/available-sites/.

“When a company is ready to invest millions of dollars and create hundreds of jobs, we cannot afford to lose that opportunity because we don’t have a site ready,” Governor Morrisey said.

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