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A landmark private-public collaborative initiative formed Jan. 30 will lead to the opportunity to create hundreds of new jobs in West Virginia and help the State maintain its status as a global energy provider. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Energys National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the State of West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU), and the tenants and developers of the Collins Ferry Commerce Center (CFCC), calls upon the partners to work together in advancing energy research and commercialization throughout West Virginia and the region.
The signing of the MOU took place at the dedication ceremony of Collins Ferry Commerce Center. CFCC is a private, campus-style, research and business park designed to serve as a catalyst for private sector job growth in West Virginia. CFCC , a project of the West Virginia based development group, WhitmanAugusta, is located adjacent to the Morgantown campus of the NETL . The Center was created under the leadership of WhitmanAugusta President and Morgantown businessman, Patrick Esposito, Sr., to provide an economic network for energy-focused businesses around NETL by stimulating synergies for NETL and the tenants of the CFCC .
Ironically, the MOU comes in the wake of rising energy costs across the nation and power supply problems recently experienced in California. The mission of the MOU is to ensure
that todays national energy needs will be met and research and development initiatives be
pursued that will temper the threat of energy crises related to an uncertain electric power supply that could threaten the United States economy.
“The strategic partnership and commitment to success witnessed today will strengthen the State and region’s economy and create new jobs providing energy and environmental solutions for the world,”said Governor Bob Wise at the MOU signing.
This partnership will attract private investment and public funding allowing the State to gain additional capabilities so its people can remain at the forefront of energy technology.”Governor Wise signed the MOU agreement in his first major public appearance since his inauguration.
“ This type of collaboration- this partnership, this agreement- is consistent with our mission as a national laboratory. A mission to enhance and expand our nations energy options, to secure our energy future, and to extend the State of West Virginias traditional role as a leader in energy well into the future,”said Rita Bajura, Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
NETL , the newest federal laboratory with a budget of more than $730 million, is a federally operated center for fossil fuel research and development actively engaged in energy, environmental and engineering activities since the 1950s.
An important component of the MOU is the partnership that West Virginia University will bring to the table. WVU , the States flagship land grant university, has long been engaged in research and development efforts focused on maximizing economic development in West Virginia. According to the MOU ,”WVU will continue to secure research investments, while fostering productive partnerships with the federal and State governments and private industry that will invigorate and transform West Virginias economy.”
“Through West Virginia University’s strong research base in energy, environmental and technology fields, we feel confident that this new partnership will fuel economic development in our state and nation and create new entrepreneurial momentum,”said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr.”That is part of our mission and our pledge.”
The tenants of the Collins Ferry Commerce Center include: Augusta Systems, Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Coleman Research Corporation, EG&G, Engineering&Science Services, Engineering Decision Consultants, SAIC , WhitmanAugusta, WPI and other companies. All of which have made a commitment to West Virginia striving to create business growth and job creation by focusing on energy in the State known for its energy.
“The Collins Ferry Commerce Center is one of West Virginia’s key resources needed to capitalize on West Virginia’s energy and environmental resources,”said developer Patrick Esposito, Sr., of WhitmanAugusta.”An alliance of outstanding experts has been assembled at Collins Ferry Commerce Center. Together, this team has decades of experience in energy and related environmental work, and has made a commitment to foster economic and job growth here in West Virginia.”