Preston County, West Virginia Issued BDO Zone 'A' Rating for Woody Biomass

Preston County, West Virginia Issued BDO Zone 'A' Rating for Woody Biomass

Preston County’s ‘A’ rating denotes high prospective viability of feedstock supply and infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that annual timber growth exceeds removals, leaving ample room for economic growth, while current competitor demand does not constrain access to the rated quantities of pulpwood and forest residues. This feedstock strength is matched by a well-positioned anchor site — the former TAZ Sawmill Site, a 42-acre industrially designated parcel just 1.4 miles from Interstate 68, with electric service at the boundary and natural gas and sewer being extended through funded projects. Competitive labor costs and proximity to West Virginia University in Morgantown round out the profile, positioning Preston County as a prime location for biobased industrial development.

Roberta “Robbie” Baylor, Executive Director of the Preston County Economic Development Authority, stated the county “has the feedstock, the workforce, and the site-ready infrastructure to support serious biobased investment,” viewing the rating as a meaningful signal to developers and investors seeking a low-risk location.

Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, noted that Preston County’s combination of sustainable woody biomass supply, minimal competition for pulpwood and forest residues, and proximity to Interstate 68 creates “a compelling profile for any biobased developer.”

Originally published at bdozone.org.