West Virginia data center boom taking shape, promising new tax revenue for counties
News Clip1:06WTOV News 9·WV·4/8/2026
West Virginia's new legislation, passed two years ago, is beginning to generate significant tax revenue for counties from a boom in data center construction. More than five new facilities are planned across the state, bringing potential economic boosts but also drawing mixed community reactions. The law directs a significant portion of the tax revenue back to counties, infrastructure, and utility cost reduction.
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Gov: West Virginia State Legislature, Water Development Authorities
West Virginia's push to generate new tax revenue for local counties through data center development is gaining momentum, with over five new facilities in various stages of development from Mason to Jefferson counties. State lawmakers, two years ago, passed legislation designed to funnel tax revenue generated by data centers directly back to counties. Delegate Jimmy Willis highlighted the potential for hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue for individual counties like Brooke and Ohio.
The legislative framework dictates that 30% of the funds will remain in the host county. Additionally, 5% will be allocated to an all-county fund based on population, another 5% will support water development authorities for local infrastructure projects, and an extra 5% is earmarked to help reduce residents' utility costs. The remaining 50% is designated to aid in cutting the state's income tax. While the planned growth has elicited mixed reactions from communities where projects are proposed, Delegate Willis expressed optimism that emerging technologies could address some of the public's concerns.