CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill removing language in the state statute requiring WVU Tech to remain in Montgomery passed the Senate Monday on a 22-12 vote, paving the way for WVU to move Tech to Beckley beginning next fall.
The bill on the controversial move now moves back to the House because of changes made in the Senate. Sen. Bill Laird (D-Fayette), opposed the move, warning other senators that WVU won’t stop at only moving Tech.
“It is only a matter of time before speculation will begin on who will be next,” he told the floor.
Sen. Greg Boso (R-Fayette), who graduated West Virginia Tech before its affiliation with WVU, thought the move was necessary considering the deteriorating condition of the school as it stands in Montgomery.
“It’s unfortunate we’re at this crossroads,” Boso said. “I wish we didn’t have to do this. I wish I didn’t have to do this. But West Virginia Tech based on what we do here right now has the opportunity to thrive.”
WVU Tech is hanging by a thread in Montgomery, which straddles the Kanawha-Fayette county line, Boso said.
“If we don’t pass this legislation right here, right now, in about a year, maybe two, we’re going to be passing legislation that completely obliterates (Tech). Why? Because they can’t survive.”
Laird was unhappy with WVU making WVU Tech a a full division of WVU in 2007, and in his opinion failing to keep Tech in good condition.
“The lesson learned is that one should not seek to acquire what one may not be prepared to properly maintain,” he said.
The move to Beckley has fiercely been contested by residents of Montgomery and the Upper Kanawha Valley, fearing what Tech’s absence will mean for an economy already struggling.
The Fayette and Kanawha County commissions, as well as the adjacent city of Smithers, have signed agreements not to pursue legal action against WVU, in return for WVU agreeing to maintain the buildings in Montgomery for 10 years. The Montgomery City Council refused to enter such an agreement.
WVU plans to move the campus fully to Beckley in time for the fall semester of 2017 and will begin offering classes in Beckley this fall.