Hope Gas to Invest $250 Million in West Virginia Pipeline Expansion

Hope Gas plans a $250 million pipeline expansion in West Virginia to boost capacity and reliability in Mason County, a project expected to create more than 600 construction jobs.

(P&GJ) — Hope Gas plans to invest $250 million in a new natural gas pipeline project in West Virginia aimed at improving system reliability and expanding capacity for manufacturers and residential customers in Mason County.

The project, funded entirely with private capital, is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs and support future industrial growth in the region.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined Hope Gas executives in Clarksburg to announce the investment, calling it part of a broader wave of private-sector development in the state.

“Companies like Hope Gas are choosing West Virginia because they see a state that is competitive, energy-dominant, and serious about growth,” said Governor Morrisey. "With today’s announcement, we have now secured more than $12 billion in private investment since October. That represents more than 9,000 projected private-sector jobs and we are just getting started.”

Hope Gas President and CEO Morgan O’Brien said the project will enhance long-term energy delivery and economic development.

“Hope Gas is proud to create the infrastructure necessary to deliver the critical energy needed to power both innovation and everyday life,” said Morgan O’Brien, President and CEO of Hope Gas. “Expanding natural gas infrastructure will not only support economic development across Mason County, but also provide lasting value to residents and future businesses across the region. Hope Gas is ready to make this investment and start building the infrastructure to serve the future growth of Mason County. I commend Governor Morrisey and the leadership across Mason County for their commitment to the region’s growth. I’m honored to be part of a project that will have long-lasting benefits to West Virginia.”

State officials also highlighted the opening of the Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center, a 20,000-square-foot training facility focused on energy workforce development. The center includes pipeline infrastructure training components and hydrogen research partnerships with the National Energy Technology Laboratory and the University of Pittsburgh.

It is the first technical training facility in West Virginia designed to prepare workers for hydrogen and hydrogen-blended natural gas operations.