CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia education and economic development leaders have started to chart the future of the new state-owned research park in South Charleston.

On Thursday, state officials talked with planning consultants about modernizing buildings at the tech park, attracting public agencies and private businesses, finding a consistent funding stream to operate the park, and creating a "world-class signature facility."

"It's not just about the buildings. It's not just about the land. It's about creating an ecosystem of economic development," said Mitch Horowitz, vice president and managing director with Battelle Memorial Institute, the Columbus, Ohio-based science and technology nonprofit hired to help West Virginia plan the long-range redevelopment of the tech park.

By the end of October, Battelle plans to deliver a report that outlines a business plan and development opportunities at the West Virginia Education, Research and Technology Park.

"We're going to tell you what's real," Horowitz said. "We're not going to blow smoke. We'll present you with options, and you all will be the deciders."

Thursday marked the first meeting of the tech park's "transition steering committee."

Earlier this year, the state Higher Education Policy Commission, which oversees public colleges across the state, agreed to take over the South Charleston property from Dow Chemical Co. The state will formally receive the deed to 258 acres at the tech park in December.

Battelle and its tech park-planning partner, CH2M HILL of Colorado, have assigned 10 employees to the tech park project. They already have started to look over buildings, meet with existing tech park tenants and research local industries.

"We're setting the direction now," Horowitz said. "We're moving very, very quickly."

The state-owned tech park already has a head start on other research parks that Battelle has helped develop, Horowitz said. The site includes office buildings, research labs and pilot plants used to test chemicals and materials before they're commercialized. Tenants include the Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research and Innovation Center, Dow and Bayer CropScience.

 "The key is you're not starting from ground zero," said Horowitz, whose firm will receive $400,000 for its work. "You're starting with multi-national tenants. These are things other parks do not get started with."

Horowitz suggested that the research park play to the state's business strengths -- sectors such as energy, chemicals and advanced materials.

"It's about who and what you are," he said. "There are opportunities you're going to have. We need to build off the richness here."

State education officials said some work already has begun at the tech park. Outbuildings have been removed and fences take down.

The Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College plans to move into Building 2000 at the tech park in the coming months. Bridgemont Community Technical College also plans to offer classes at the site.

Jim Skidmore, chancellor of the state's community and technical college system, is expected to make an announcement later this month about the construction of a $15 million advanced-technology training center that would house about 600 students at the park.

Almost every day, companies interested in relocating to the tech park are requesting tours, state officials said.

"I think you'll see, in a very short period of time, a lot of activity at the park," said Brian Noland, the state's chancellor of higher education. "This truly is a lifetime opportunity for the Kanawha Valley and the state of West Virginia."

State officials also unveiled a new tech park website: www.wvtechnologypark.com.

Reach Eric Eyre at erice...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4869.