Morrisey announces Google data center – Mountain Media, LLC

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Google's acquisition of land in Putnam County for a new multi-million-dollar data center campus, to be located near Buffalo. This project marks Google's first step towards establishing a significant presence in the state, with the facility slated to connect to the Appalachian Power grid. Governor Morrisey emphasized that this development signals West Virginia's growing competitiveness for future jobs and industries, creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting long-term growth. Clay Allsop, Google's regional head of data center public affairs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company's appreciation for the state's business environment and its commitment to partnering with local leaders. Google has pledged to cover all necessary electrical, water, and sewer infrastructure upgrades associated with the project, ensuring no costs are passed to residential households. The company also committed to replenishing more water than it consumes by 2030, targeting 120% replenishment across its operations. The project, still in its initial phases, is designated a "High Impact Development Project," making it potentially eligible for funds through the Economic Development Authority's Economic Development Project Fund. The announcement coincides with increased scrutiny of data center proposals in West Virginia. Air permits for other proposed data center/microgrid projects, such as those by Fundamental Data in Tucker County and Fidelis New Energy in Mason County, are currently being challenged by opponents, with legal representation from firms like Bowles Rice. The West Virginia Legislature recently passed House Bill 2014, enacting rules to streamline data center and microgrid district development by offering regulatory exemptions, special property tax valuations, and a new tax distribution framework, while also prohibiting local ordinances that could impede these projects. Other developers like Nscale and Penzance Management have also announced significant data center projects in the state.