I-79 Technology Park . Also stationed at the park is the Joint Polar Satellite System , a fleet of advanced polar-orbiting environmental satellites .
“ There is no other location on the planet that has three climate and weather satellite ground stations collocated with one of the most advanced supercomputing centers on the planet ,” Estep says . “ This makes the I-79 Technology Park and North Central West Virginia a prime location for the growth of the multibillion-dollar commercial climate and weather industry . This represents a powerful economic development opportunity for West Virginia .”
On the horizon in Marion County is the development of the Fairmont Transportation Research Campus ( FTRC ), a concept that was originated by the Marion Regional Development Corporation . The campus is an adaptive reuse of the former Sharon Steel and Big John ’ s Salvage sites in Fairmont and totals 144 acres . The FTRC project involves the development of an academic research center , as well as testing , performance and training facilities and components for the public sector and motorsports enthusiasts .
“ Through the collaboration with West Virginia University ’ s Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship , a full development plan has been prepared that highlights a multitiered approach to the concept of attracting automotive industry stakeholders and enthusiasts that include academia , government , defense and public safety ,” says Allen Staggers , executive director of the Marion Regional Development Corporation . “ The FTRC will leverage the opportunity of housing a research facility on an
Rendering by The Thrasher Group .
independent site to attract partners from the global automotive industry to West Virginia for research , testing , calibration and validation .”
There are already automotive companies that do work in West Virginia and could utilize the multipurpose campus for a variety of testing purposes , says Staggers , adding that its location within 500 miles of over 15 major U . S . markets should be beneficial as well .
“ The development of driver assist systems and autonomous vehicles is receiving substantial attention ,” Staggers says . “ Autonomous vehicles hold the promise of enhanced safety as well as improved efficiency in transportation of people and goods .”
When the testing track is idle on weekends , a motorsports venue will create new destination tourism .
“ The FTRC will provide Marion County and the state of West Virginia a unique opportunity to diversify the economy and attract new jobs and investment ,” Staggers says . “ The adaptive reuse of the Sharon Steel site will transform the former superfund site into an automotive industry-related business park unlike anything in the state .”
Photo by Sparks Productions .
Growth and Development
“ Marion County is uniquely positioned for growth ,” says David Reitz , president of Stella Construction .
Reitz is working on the anticipated commercial development Middletown Commons , bringing new dining , shopping and office space to the county .
As far as what makes Middletown Commons an exciting development project , the answers are many .
“ Middletown Commons will be the area ’ s premier mixed-use commercial development ,” says Jonathan Howard , an associate at Premier Commercial . “ This is a significant redevelopment for Marion County because it is bringing new national businesses to the county , helping spur the creation of more local business and last but certainly not least , adding another top-of-the-line medical facility to provide care for the community .”
Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital will be located in the development , enhancing the excellent health care in the area . Marion County is already home to WVU Medicine ’ s Fairmont Medical Center .
Meanwhile , a $ 77.5 million interstate-widening project is coming to Marion County . The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety on I-79 .
“ In addition , the improvements to the South Fairmont Exit will enhance traffic flow and accessibility in the White Hall area , which is seeing continued growth ,” Staggers says .
Downtown Fairmont is part of the growth as well .
“ There has been a positive trend in the revitalization of downtown over the last year ,” says Dan Swiger , executive director of Main Street Fairmont . “ In the first five months of the year , we ’ ve seen five new businesses enter the historic
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