CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The tax district bill to fund a new baseball park and other developments near Morgantown is going to be considered by the full House of Delegates.
The bill, which has been stalled since passing the state Senate earlier in the session, gained the approval of both the House judiciary and finance committees Wed.
The bill creates a tax increment sales tax district (TIF) that would use revenues created from the development to help pay down the bonds that finance it.
Feoh Realty owner Jason Donahue told the judiciary committee more than 60 percent of the 110-acre development on each side of the Interstate 79 Westover and Star City exits is already committed.
“Those commitments include two convenience stores, three hotels, a 100,000-square-foot medical facility,” Donahue said.
The baseball park is the most discussed part of the project, which includes a $25 million interchange on I-79.
Donahue said the ballpark, which will be a partnership between WVU and Monongalia County, will be designed with PNC Park in Pittsburgh in mind.
“You have an incredible view. You’ll actually be able to overlook the Mon River, WVU campus and downtown Morgantown,” Donahue said.
There are sales tax TIF districts in Bridgeport and Wheeling.