CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state legislature has approved the Morgantown TIF bill clearing the way for a new WVU baseball park, interstate interchange and business development.
The bill easily cleared the House and Senate during a special session that began Wednesday evening. The plan failed to gain approval in the 60-day regular session because the House wanted the Senate to deal with a magistrate pay raise bill. Supporters were frustrated because the House never took a vote on the merits of the TIF bill.
Wednesday’s vote was overwhelming, drawing 34-0 approval in the Senate and 91-2 in the House.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said it was important to pass the TIF bill before lawmakers left Charleston.
“It’s so important to Monongalia County and north central West Virginia. It’s a huge investment,” Tomblin said.
The TIF creates a special tax district in which some revenues would finance the projects and infrastructure.
Del. Dave Pethtel, D-Wetzel, predicted the Morgantown project with its projected 1,100 construction jobs and as many 1,500 permanent jobs will benefit the entire region.
“I think it’s going to be great not only for the eastern part of Wetzel but also for Marion County and the western part of Monongalia County,” he said.
The governor said he plans to sign the bill.
“There’s good things involved for a lot of people up there,” Tomblin said.