The U.S. Department of Treasury has certified 55 Opportunity Zones in West Virginia.

Gov. Jim Justice and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito made the announcement Friday about the zones that will be eligible for new federal tax incentives. The goal is to encourage private investors to invest there, the news release said.

Opportunity Zones were created and added to the federal tax code due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Areas that qualify will have this designation for 10 years.

Justice said the goal is to revitalize areas in West Virginia and spur private investment.

“This is more great news for our state,” Justice said. “It continues our movement forward and the hope for brighter days ahead.”

Capito praised the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the creation of these zones.

“I was proud to co-sponsor the provision in the new tax law that makes Opportunity Zones possible, and I look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders to make the most of this new economic development tool,” Capito said in the release.

Some of these Opportunity Zones include:

  • White Sulphur Springs: Greenbrier Valley revitalization and commercial development/redevelopment projects

  • New River Gorge Development Authority: the Greater Beckley area and industrial development opportunities in Summersville and surrounding areas

  • Wyoming County: development opportunities including John D. Rockefeller IV Industrial Park

  • Summers County: Hinton, near I-64 at Sandstone