Virgin Hyperloop said West Virginia’s pitch to be the home of a $500 million certification facility was appealing because of how much enthusiasm was shown by elected leaders.
The company announced today that it will locate a certification facility for its super high-speed travel system on nearly 800 acres of land across Tucker and Grant counties. The certification center would be a hub to lay the groundwork for research and regulation.
Hyperloop would move people and goods in pods through a vacuum tube at speeds exceeding 600 mph, enabling travel from Pittsburgh to Chicago in 41 minutes or New York City to Washington, D.C. in just 30 minutes.
MORE: West Virginia will be site of Hyperloop high-speed transportation development center
Mike Schneider, vice president of project development for Virgin Hyperloop, today said letters went out about a year ago to governors of all 50 states to describe the desire for a development partner.
“We were not sure what kind of response we would get,” Schneider said. “We knew we were not Amazon HQ2 with 50,000 to 100,000 jobs and looking for gigantic tax breaks. But we were looking for a partner who was willing to work with us to be creative, develop some commitments and incentives for us to join them as a partner.”
From that earliest pitch came 21 proposals from 19 states. Hyperloop narrowed that down to nine and then further cut the finalists to four.
The company examined the geographic attributes of each region, the leadership of the potential partners, the support of government officials and financial packages.
West Virginia scored highly in each of those areas, Schneider said, “and in particular the commitment and support of the elected officials” including Gov. Jim Justice and his administration, state legislators and the congressional delegation.
He said, “it was actually overwhelming to us to see the level of interest, the level of commitment that was being represented.”
State officials made a pitch to Virgin Hyperloop a little less than a year ago at West Virginia University.
“We did it. We did it,” Justice said today when the announcement became official. “We welcome Hyperloop to West Virginia, to Grant and Tucker counties.”
.@WVGovernor Jim Justice and Mike Schneider, Vice President of Project Development, talk with @HoppyKercheval about the announcement of the @virginhyperloop Certification Center to be built in WV. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/rmEui7D2CO
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) October 8, 2020
In response to a question about what West Virginia promised in terms of economic assistance, state Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch said that won’t be final until next spring. But Gaunch indicated West Virginia dangled everything the state could to lure the project.
“We’ve made available every incentive the Legislature allows us to make to this project,” Gaunch said.
Hyperloop officials estimated direct employment would be 150 to 200 people, with construction jobs numbering in the thousands. They also predicted spinoff jobs by suppliers and related industries.
The location decision drew praise from West Virginia’s Congressional delegation, including senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat, and Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican.
Manchin said the announcement “is a testament to our people and proves that when West Virginia competes, we win.”
Capito said West Virginia is an ideal location because of its educational institutions, research and development opportunities, skilled workforce, low cost of living and high quality of life.
“Not only does this announcement prove that West Virginia is moving forward, but it also shows that we have what it takes to draw in more technology jobs that will support the future of transportation ,” Capito stated.
State Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, said the announcement demonstrates West Virginia is an appealing location for high-tech industry.
“I look forward to seeing this project develop and bring with it good, high-paying jobs for years to come,” Carmichael stated.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, described the announcement as an affirmation of sound leadership, responsible reforms and collaboration.
West Virginia, he said, “was able to demonstrate the best teamwork, collective spirit and overall motivation to be a true partner and help Virgin Hyperloop realize the true promise of this innovative idea.”
.@SpeakerHanshaw talks with @HoppyKercheval about the announcement from Virgin Hyperloop. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/3ImxfUAZFT
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) October 8, 2020
Delegates John Paul Hott, R-Grant, and Gary Howell, R-Mineral, praised the potential for development in the district they represent.
“This decision is a tremendous shot in the arm to our region, and will result in a significant number of construction jobs along with good-paying permanent jobs once the facility is up and running.
“This is a phenomenal day for our region and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Hyperloop to our area,” Hott stated.
“This decision is a tremendous shot in the arm to our region, and will result in a significant number of construction jobs along with good-paying permanent jobs once the facility is up and running.”
Howell added, “This is recognition that West Virginia, and the Potomac Highlands in particular, is a great place to invest and do business.
“We’ve worked hard to attract business leaders and investment to our region, and Virgin Hyperloop’s decision is proof that West Virginia is now being recognized as a prime location to create jobs and grow a business. This is a great day for West Virginia, and something all our citizens can be proud of.”