Spring is a perfect time to celebrate accomplishments and growth and push forward into the next chapter. One big accomplishment by the West Virginia Legislature, is the approval of House Bill 2526, the largest tax cut in West Virginia history. This bill will reduce the personal income tax rate by 50% over the course of three years, which will help support growth in Berkeley County, WV by helping to make us more competitive with our bordering states. One other accomplishment to highlight is House Bill 3428, relating to the WV Business Ready Sites Program. Currently, WV’s industrial sites lack competitiveness with surrounding states due to inadequate utility infrastructure. This bill will increase the attractiveness of such sites for industrial development.
While the BCDA is attracting businesses to locate in Berkeley County, we understand the need for housing. The old Interwoven Mill factory was once the world’s largest producer of men’s socks and is now being redeveloped to bring housing to downtown Martinsburg. Recently, I toured with Senator Joe Manchin III. This project is going to be completed in several phases; phase one is expected to be complete in October of 2023.
The Build WV Act, HB 3036, was also signed into law by Governor Jim Justice. The bill expands the current Build WV Program, which provides incentives to promote development of residential housing. The BCDA will attend the 2023 Housing Summit hosted by United Way of the Eastern Panhandle. The event will bring together community leaders, housing advocates and stakeholders to address the need for safe, healthy, affordable, and available housing in the Eastern Panhandle.
The Berkeley County Development Authority is continuing to promote large and small businesses as well as local non-profits with our monthly podcast, business spotlights and reels. This marketing strategy we developed is creating awareness about the variety of local businesses serving our community. If your business would like to participate, please reach out to our office. Did you know all our podcast can be found on our website? Please visit The Development Authority Conversation (spreaker.com) and check us out.
The BCDA is currently accepting Request for Proposals for Total Demolition Services. Please visit Request for Proposals, Qualifications, & Bids | The Berkeley County Development Authority for additional information.
The Berkeley County Development Authority remains dedicated to the mission of promoting sustainable industrial and economic development through the cooperative sharing of resources with the community.
