W.Va. Leaders Mull Weirton’s Future

By JOSELYN KING
WEIRTON — Weirton’s economic future could depend on finding new purposes for land and equipment owned by ArcelorMittal Steel, state and local leaders said Monday.

Mittal presently has 1,700 acres of unused land in Weirton that could be sold off for development, they said. Other Mittal facilities — still with working equipment inside — could be used as a training campus for those seeking to learn trades.

These ideas reportedly were among those presented during an economic roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., at the Serbian-American Cultural Center in Weirton on Monday. The actual discussion was not opened to the public.

Rockefeller said the idea for the roundtable discussion originated last year after a meeting with Weirton community leaders.

‘‘Led by (state) Sen. Ed Bowman, D-Hancock, we discussed the shrinking steel industry and the need for a plan to redevelop Weirton,’’ he said. ‘‘At that time, the key piece to that plan was to secure developable land.

‘‘Developable land wasn’t that hard to see in Weirton, but it was hard to get your hands on. Since this initial discussion, ArcelorMittal — by far the largest landowner in Weirton — has taken an inventory of its property and shared with the city an inventory and database of available land.’’

Mittal has downsized its Weirton operations and doesn’t need all the land it owns, Rockefeller continued.

‘‘But as we all know, an inventory of land doesn’t revive Weirton,’’ he said. ‘‘We must all work together to find potential buyers, and then ArcelorMittal has to step up again and move forward with a sale. There’s still a lot of work to be done.’’

Mittal owns 1,993 acres of land in the Weirton area, according to the Weirton Redevelopment Plan. More than 1,700 acres are available for redevelopment. In addition, Mittal is clearing out much of the scrap metal left over on its properties.

Keith Nagel, director of environmental affairs and real estate for Mittal, said he expects there will be some activity pertaining to the company’s Weirton properties this summer.

‘‘But it’s not just about selling the land — it’s about redevelopment,’’ he said. ‘‘I represent the real estate side of the business, and we are interested in developing and advancing the community. We are looking to sell to businesses that will bring jobs to the community.

‘‘In terms of marketing, we are not going to bring in anything that could harm or hinder growth in Weirton,’’ he added.

Bowman, also a former mayor of Weirton, spoke of his attempts to purchase former steel-owned properties for the city from predecessors to ArcelorMittal, saying all such efforts were unsuccessful.

‘‘I was always told, ‘We are in the business of acquiring properties — not selling them,’’’ Bowman said, adding he is pleased the current ownership is willing to consider selling off property for redevelopment.7

Bowman, though, also presented a second idea for use of Mittal’s facilities — the creation of a trades apprenticeship campus utilizing the company’s unused equipment. He believes laborers could be trained in electronics and welding on the steel-owned properties.

‘‘I’m constantly hearing in Charleston that we lack a trained work force for the future,’’ Bowman said. ‘‘Why not create an apprenticeship campus in Weirton? This kind of facility can clean up an entire area ... And we will also create a work force for someone to use.’’

Weirton Mayor Mark Harris said residents of the city often wish to cling to the past.

‘‘The people of Weirton are afraid of change,’’ he said. ‘‘But we take chances every day, and we have to do it.’’

Gov. Joe Manchin said the Weirton area represents the best opportunity for development in the state. He pointed to Weirton’s close proximity to major highways and Pittsburgh.

‘‘And the land here for sale by ArcelorMittal is already permitted for use,’’ he said. ‘‘The area is primed for development.’’