“ In 2017 , we showed the world that Hyperloop can actually work and exist ,” says Ryan Kelly , vice president of marketing and communications for Virgin Hyperloop . “ That was a huge step for us and a huge milestone in showing that this technology works and makes sense .”
While that venture was successful , the company knew it needed to safety certify its vehicle for passengers . The $ 500 million certification center will be constructed on 800 acres of repurposed coal mine and brownfield sites in Grant and Tucker counties . The planning and design work are already underway and will continue into 2021 , with hopes to break ground in 2022 .
“ The goal of the Hyperloop certification center is to work with regulators in the U . S . and hopefully around the world to safety certify a Hyperloop system so we can start building projects globally ,” says Kelly . “ We have been working with the federal government and different state governments to discuss this . We are definitely a company that wants to disrupt with government together . As we look at our collective future , we want to know how Hyperloop fits into that future .”
Hyperloop has received bipartisan and bicameral support for its efforts throughout the country , most recently from U . S . Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao , who announced a guiding principles document for Hyperloop and officially named it as the fifth mode of mass transit . Virgin Hyperloop ’ s goal is to be regulated under the Federal Rail Administration . The technology has already been made eligible for public funds to become a global hub as the next form of mass transportation .
“ Hyperloop as a concept is the first new form of mass transportation in over 100 years ,” says Kelly . “ This is not just high in the sky , fun technology we ’ re testing in the lab at this point — this is potentially becoming a part of the nation ’ s plan moving forward .”
A Match Made in Heaven
In 2019 , the Hyperloop team traveled across the country with its XP-1 vehicle — the first vehicle to do a Hyperloop run on the track — visiting states in an attempt to discover potential certification center sites .
“ We wanted to get reactions from real people around the country who have never heard of Hyperloop and get them excited about the potential opportunity ,” says Kelly .
West Virginia was not on the list of visitation sites , so state leadership took matters into its own hands .
Representatives from the West Virginia Development Office ( WVDO ) drove to the Hyperloop road show in North Carolina and told the Hyperloop team they had to consider the Mountain State . According to Kelly , although West Virginia was not part of Hyperloop ’ s original plan , the momentum and support for the opportunity from leaders within the state was incredibly strong .
“ West Virginia went from not even being on our radar to being at the top of the list ,” he says . “ I think it speaks to the determination of West Virginia ’ s team and the consortium of
Congratulations
Ben Queen !
2021 Young Gun
844-MVB-BANK MVBbanking . com
94
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE