Gov. Jim Justice has signed into law legislation that would create an authority board whose aim is economic and energy development in Southern West Virginia counties.
Justice on Friday signed , which creates a 15-member board that includes representatives of economic development agencies in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties and governor appointees from the private sector.
Under SB 354, the board may seek out public-private partnerships, propose legislation for bonding and tax credits to facilitate economic development along the Interstate 73/74 corridor stretching from northern Michigan to eastern South Carolina. The bill empowers the new board to foster partnerships with groups in other states.
The House of Delegates approved the bill in an 80-20 vote on Feb. 13. The Senate unanimously approved the bill. SB 354 takes effect 90 days from passage, on May 14.
The authority may acquire and lease property, with the right to develop and use property and open it to public use. The authority also may contract with any other West Virginia state governmental agency or the federal government.
SB 354 indicates support for the four-lane King Coal Highway which stretches 95 miles through the four counties and Wyoming County, along or near U.S. Route 52 from U.S. Route 119 near Williamson to Interstate 77 in Bluefield. The unfinished highway has long been intended to spur economic growth.
The authority established by SB 354 would be called the West Virginia Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority, but the bill doesn’t identify or name any types of energy targeted for development.
In addition to representatives of economic development agencies in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties, the authority would consist of one representative each from the Region 1 and Region 2 planning and development councils and the following governor appointees:
A representative from businesses and industries located in the state.
An economic development representative from a utility company that provides service to the corridor region.
Four private-sector representatives from the technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, and aviation, aerospace or advanced air mobility sectors in the corridor region.
Two at-large members from corridor regions and counties “who have knowledge and experience in local issues, economic development, and other areas of expertise.â€
Members are to serve in five-year, unpaid roles and could be reappointed to additional terms.
The authority must submit annual reports to the Joint Government and Finance Committee detailing its undertakings for the year and any recommended policies to allow economic development along the corridor.
