March 5, 2010
 
Higher Education Policy Commission Votes to Approve Donation of Property at South Charleston Technology Park
 
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
 
Charleston, WV (HNN) – The Higher Education Policy Commission on Thursday, March 4, 2010 voted in favor of accepting a donation from The Dow Chemical Company for property and buildings at the South Charleston Technology Park.
 
Following Governor Joe Manchin’s announcement last week that the state plans to transform the park into an “Education, Research and Technology Park,” Commission members echoed that commitment and formally approved the agency’s new role in overseeing the park. The vote was unanimous among participating members.
 
“This represents a tremendous opportunity for higher education, for research and development, and for the future of West Virginia,” said David Hendrickson, Chairman of the Commission. “We are ready to take on this new venture, which is sure to be challenging – but also has the potential to present a new terrain of possibility that our state has never before seen.”
 
West Virginia’s strategic plan for science and technology is to transform West Virginia’s economy by spurring job creation and technology-based business development. With far-reaching research taking place across the state, the primary goal of the park is to create a business incubator for developing and commercializing ideas, including research in energy, chemicals and materials, and biotechnology.
 
“Thanks to leadership from Governor Manchin, legislators, federal representatives, local officials and the business community, all of the right pieces are coming together to put the tech park – and West Virginia – on an encouraging new path,” said Brian Noland, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Members of the Commission today again signaled the state’s willingness and desire to make that happen, and I am eager to pursue the promise that I know the park holds for education and the economy.”
 
“I applaud the Higher Education Policy Commission for their vision in casting this crucial vote today,” said Governor Manchin. “We are now on our way to achieving what so many of us had hoped for – a revitalized tech park that saves jobs, creates new and high-tech jobs, diversifies our economy, and positions West Virginia for a healthy, competitive and innovative future.”