Governor Tomblin Announces First Phase of Hobet Project

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the first phase of the Hobet project is underway, including preliminary site development plans and the release of a Division of Highways request for qualification (RFQ) for the design and construction of an access road.

"After announcing the Hobet project during my State of the State address in January, I have worked tirelessly to move this project forward, because the people of southern West Virginia and our entire state deserve to see it become a reality," Gov. Tomblin said. "Today, I'm proud of the steps we have taken to launch the first phase of this project, establishing a clear path forward that will ensure it reaches its full potential, helping to diversify our state's economy and provide new opportunities to those who have called this region home for generations."

With the help of Marshall University's Center for Environmental Geotechnical and Applied Sciences, mapping of the site has been completed to provide a more accurate representation of the size and scope of the project. In its entirety, the Hobet property includes more than 12,000 acres of land. Mapping has also helped the team identify prospective sites for strategic development moving forward. In the coming weeks, West Virginia University will launch an industry-specific site analysis to determine the best uses for prospective development.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released an RFQ for the design and construction of an access road to the site. The route will include a new 2.6-mile road, heading west from U.S. Route 119 and W.Va. Route 3 to the existing haul road north of Danville in Boone County. The road will provide access to the Phase I development area, covering nearly 4,000 acres west of Corridor G. The DOH plans to award a contract in October 2016, and construction is slated to begin March 2017. The state has submitted a federal transportation grant application to fund this new stretch of four-lane road.

Local utility companies have identified existing utility lines, and the state continues to develop plans to extend water, sewer and fiber infrastructure to the site. Costs will be determined as part of the DOT bid process.

The project has received support from local landowners, and final negotiations are underway. Land titles will be transferred to the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. The state continues to work to secure necessary land titles and outline the next phases of development for the property. The state also continues to pursue additional federal funds to support the Hobet project, help diversify the state's economy and support local community projects.

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