![]() The state Economic Development Authority already put up $75 million. The total public support by the State of West Virginia for the project is $290 million, including the piece lawmakers are advancing. “We’ve never had a chance to have people come in and testify to the veracity of this data.”įorm Energy is putting up at least $350 million of private dollars to get the project off the ground. “We’ve never had a chance to test this data,” Karnes said, referring to projected economic activity. Karnes was critical of bringing the supplemental appropriations bill straight to the Senate floor, rather than having an opportunity to ask more questions in committee. I don’t know how you can call that anything other than a wild gamble,” Karnes said. “We’ve got a battery company that’s never made a battery. Senator Robert Karnes, R-Randolph, called the state financial support a big risk. “This is coal money we’re giving to a woke company,” Phillips said. Senator Rupie Phillips, R-Logan, called the deal a “pig with lipstick.” He alluded to the role of coal severance taxes in generating finances for the state. “And it’s an opportunity to put that climb on fast forward.” “What we have here is a chance to help Weirton climb out of some pretty dark days,” said Senator Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, referring to Weirton Steel’s fade from prominence. The bill goes to the governor, who has expressed his support for the project.įorm Energy expects to start construction of its factory on 55 acres at the site of the old Weirton Steel property in 2023 and begin manufacturing iron-air battery systems in 2024 for broad commercialization. The appropriation had already passed the House, which also had a two-hour debate over it, so this completes the legislation. In the end, the bill passed the Senate 21-13. Critics questioned the use of taxpayer funds to support a “green energy” company. ![]() Supporters emphasized the 750 well-paying jobs promised by the project. Passionate discussion echoed themes earlier in the legislative process. After two hours of debate, senators approved a $105 million appropriation bill to support the Form Energy battery plant project in Weirton. ![]()
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