Re-envisioning brownfields as opportunities for the future.
Across West Virginia, properties that once drove the industrial, manufacturing, and business backbone of a nation now sit idle due to economic downturn and population loss. Not only do these brownfields present a host of challenges due to environmental contamination, they occupy prime real estate that could be used as the foundation for future business, industrial, recreational, or housing opportunities. There are many barriers to the reuse of brownfields, and the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation’s (WVLSC) Brownfield Program aims to play a role in addressing them.
Despite barriers to redevelopment, these brownfield sites present significant opportunities to revitalize local economies, inspire new investment, and build the foundation for thriving communities. WVLSC’s Brownfield Program offers technical assistance and support designed to address some of the most significant barriers that prevent brownfields from living a second life as productive spaces in West Virginia communities.
Achievements of this program include support of an estimated 15 successful and pending projects; remediation and reuse of the former Morgantown Ordinance Works site which now supports approximately 1,200 new and existing jobs; and recognition as a national leader among land banks conducting brownfield remediation by the Center for Community Progress in their 2025 publication, Land Banks and Brownfields Case Studies.
What WE Do
WVLSC works directly with developers, local staff, partner organizations, and community champions to identify potential brownfield projects with three key factors: alignment with local priorities, potential for high impact reuse, and a demonstrated need for WVLSC engagement. Our programs are designed to tackle barriers to brownfield redevelopment at critical points over the lifetime of a project.
Property Ownership
Who owns a brownfield is key to project success. WVLSC can help solve challenges with property ownership that open funding opportunities, reduce environmental liability, and- for public property- provide more options for property transfer.
Connection to Resources
Brownfield projects are more like a marathon than a sprint and require many different types of technical assistance and support along the way. WVLSC has a robust network of technical assistance providers whose support extends for the entire brownfield redevelopment process.
Project Management
Brownfield projects are complex and demanding, and local entities don’t always have the ability to manage them on their own. WVLSC has a proven record of successful brownfield project management and can step in to support.
Access to Funding
Securing funding for brownfield remediation can be challenging. Funding sources are limited and grant requirements are technical and intensive. WVLSC can help.