Berkeley County Economic Opportunity Development District Approved By the West Virginia Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Martinsburg, WV – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed a bill creating an Economic Opportunity Development District (EODD) in Berkeley County, marking a major milestone for economic development in the Eastern Panhandle. The EODD designation allows sales tax generated within the district to remain in Berkeley County rather than being directed to the state’s budget. These revenues will help finance transformational development projects without increasing taxes on local residents.

The new district is 275 acres on the west side of Interstate 81, right off Exit 8, and will support development of the Berkeley County Sports Complex, a proposed regional destination featuring eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, pickleball and tennis courts, a championship court with spectator seating, and multiple outdoor athletic fields.

This complex will have an event space that can accommodate up to 4,000 people. Not only will the Berkeley County Sports Complex attract tournaments and competitions, but the event space can also host trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale gatherings.

The Berkeley County Development Authority (BCDA) has also allocated space for restaurants and retail within the complex. This will create long-term employment opportunities in the region and build a hospitality economy in the Eastern Panhandle.

“The EODD allows us to capture the economic activity generated here and reinvest it right back into our community,” says Jennifer Smith, Executive Director for the BCDA. “Instead of raising taxes, we are creating a funding model where visitors coming for tournaments, conferences, and events help support the infrastructure and amenities that benefit our residents.”

The EODD Designation Was a Multi-Year Team Effort

The EODD designation follows more than two years of collaboration between the BCDA, the Berkeley County Commission, The Sports Facilities Company, Piper Sandler, The Thrasher Group, and the members of the Eastern Panhandle’s legislative delegation.  

Separate bills were introduced in both the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate to authorize the district. The Senate version, Senate Bill 749, ultimately passed both chambers of the Legislature and was signed by Governor Morrisey.

“This was truly a team effort,” says Smith.

Smith adds that Governor Morrisey wants to be actively involved in developing the Sports Complex, and she welcomes his input. There isn’t anything of this scale in the region, which offers a significant opportunity for Berkeley County and West Virginia as a whole.

“I’d like to thank the Governor for recognizing this incredible Backyard Brawl economic opportunity, which is projected to create 1,300 new jobs and have a positive impact in eastern West Virginia,” says Eddie Gochenour, Berkeley County Commission President.

“I also would like to thank Senator Jason Barrett, Delegate. Michael Hite, and other members of the Eastern Panhandle delegation in the Legislature for their support, as well as House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, who played a big role in helping get Senate Bill 749 through the House of Delegates. Chairman Criss was very much on board, engaged, and excited about this project,” he adds.

The next step is for the EODD to be approved by the West Virginia Department of Economic Development. The office has until April to review the designation.  

The Sports Complex Will Pay for Itself Through the EODD and TIFF

Berkeley County residents will only benefit from the EODD and Sports Complex. Along with creating jobs, the development will bring new restaurants and entertainment opportunities to the area. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can fill these spaces.

The TIF district will help fund infrastructure improvements needed for the project, while the EODD will capture sales tax generated by the development to repay bonds over a 30-year period.

The Berkeley County Sports Complex will be a $186 Million project, and both the BCDA and the County are working with local utility companies to establish the necessary infrastructure to get it moving. First Energy will have a five-acre substation on the site, and the Berkeley County Public Service Water District is building a two-million-gallon water tank on the east side of I-81.

The BCDA has completed feasibility studies, impact analyses, and other essential documentation ahead of breaking ground on the Berkeley County Sports Complex. This ensures the site is appropriate for the project and will help the County gather the resources it needs to develop the space in a timely manner.

The BERKELEY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY facilitates business growth in the county by connecting companies to potential properties, resources, and the workforce they need to thrive in Berkeley County, West Virginia. BCDA’s team of dedicated development professionals can help with site selection, obtaining permits and licenses, highlighting workforce development and custom training opportunities, and locating financing options and incentives. The BCDA supports companies of all sizes in their plans for expansion and relocation. Learn more at developmentauthority.com or find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

For more information, contact:

Jennifer Smith 
jsmith@developmentauthority.com 
304-267-4144