For The State Journal

The recently released $328 million for a new federal biometrics technology center on the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services, or CJIS, Division campus has put Clarksburg once again on the cutting edge of national security, federal officials said.

The 360,000-square-foot building will serve as a joint center for research, development and application of biometrics to support national security and law enforcement.

"This consolidated system of government entities will give us common research and communication of research," said Michael T. Yura, senior consultant for Yura Consulting.

The addition will nearly double the space of the existing 2,500 employee FBI CJIS Division campus. It will be large enough to accommodate about 2,000 additional employees, enabling the FBI to consolidate biometrics satellite offices, many of which are in Fairmont.

"This joint effort will further enhance our efforts in fighting the global war on terrorism," Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said in a release. "And for the state of West Virginia, it will provide constructions jobs, and once the building is completed, will provide the space for the FBI CJIS Division to expand employment opportunities.... This new facility will be a major shot in the arm as we continue to seek ways to diversify West Virginia's economy."

Byrd has worked with FBI and Department of Defense officials for several years on the project. Officials expect to award a construction contract in fall 2010 and for the building to be completed in 2013.

"I can only anticipate this will be a catalyst for further development," Clarksburg Mayor Margaret Bailey said. "This is good for Harrison County and good for the I-79 Technology Corridor."

Bailey also said Clarksburg has the needed infrastructure in place.

"We talk about metro government," she said. "Bridgeport helps Clarksburg with infrastructure. Already there are a lot of plans in place to take care of the demands this makes upon the region."

Clarksburg City Manager Martin Howe said the city will collect 2 percent of the total construction costs as business and occupation tax.

"We will be fiscally responsible and try to put this money in our rainy day fund," he said. "We may possibly pay off some current debt to free up additional funding."

Michael Kirkpatrick, executive director of the West Virginia Biometrics Initiative, estimated the economic impact for the area from salaries alone is about $300 million a year given Department of Defense employees and contractors and FBI personnel.

At first, employees will be relocating, but both government agencies and corporations that support them eventually can grow around the campus.

"A lot of spinoffs can come about, and that is where the new center opens the doors for us," Howe said. "Hopefully, we can attract the spinoff businesses to help support the biometrics technologies."

Although biometrics is a security tool, corporate America also uses them.

"Secure Services out of Chicago is opening an office here," Yura said. "They make medical identification cards that have biometrics in them. They want to be here because this is the center of the biometrics world. The Piggly Wiggly grocery chain in Texas uses biometrics rather than club or discount cards."

Officials see the region poised for growth in both the private and public sectors.

"This is a good move that will enhance the already very good cooperation between the FBI and Department of Defense," Kirkpatrick said. "It will become almost seamless and be good for country."

Kirkpatrick said he sees other government agencies considering a Clarksburg presence, as well.

"That is good, again for the country, the state and the state's economy," he said. "It's a win-win for everybody."