Justice Breaks Ground On New State Lab

Alongside fellow state leaders, Gov. Jim Justice broke ground on a new state laboratory on Tuesday.

The West Virginia Regional Technology Park is expanding to include the new $250 million West Virginia consolidated state laboratories facility.

Funds for the 300,000-square-foot facility were appropriated by the West Virginia Legislature in 2023 through Senate Bill 1031.

“This is truly a great day for West Virginia as we start turning our dream of a brand new state laboratory into a reality,” Justice said. “When it’s finished, this facility will provide the space and resources many of our state agencies need to properly serve the people of West Virginia. This will make a huge difference and promote collaboration because so many great people from our state agencies will be working together under the same roof. This isn’t just an investment in a new building. This is an investment in the future of our state, and I’m very thankful to see it happen. Finally, I want to thank the West Virginia Regional Tech Park for their efforts in making sure our needs are met during this process.”

Design work is set to conclude by early 2025 and construction is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

When complete, the facility will house the Department of Health’s Office of Laboratory Services, the Division of Labor’s Office of Weights and Measures, the State Police and the Department of Homeland Security forensics lab and the State Medical Examiner. 

According to a press release, the facility will also include labs from Marshall University and West Virginia University.

The Department of Administration will operate the facility in cooperation with all of these tenants and the tech park.