Charleston, WV (JK) – West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $4 billion private investment by Penzance Management to build the state’s first High Impact Intelligence Center in Berkeley County. The 548-acre Bedington Campus is expected to total 1.9 million square feet at full buildout and generate 600 megawatts of IT capacity, supporting artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing.
The project is projected to create around 1,000 construction jobs and 125 permanent positions. No state funding is involved, and revenue from the project will be partially reinvested in local communities, infrastructure, and tax reduction programs.
Supporters highlight the investment as a major boost for West Virginia’s tech economy and a driver of new revenue streams for Berkeley County. Officials say the campus could also use reclaimed water to reduce costs and preserve natural resources.
However, critics have raised concerns about the development’s environmental and community impact. Some warn the facility’s massive energy and water demands could strain local infrastructure, and the number of permanent jobs may not match the size of the investment. Others argue that the state-level incentives and microgrid powers reduce local oversight, leaving counties with limited control over land use decisions.
The project reflects West Virginia’s broader push to attract digital infrastructure and private-sector investment, but debate continues over its long-term benefits versus environmental and community costs.
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