Bill > HB4958

This bill establishes the Southern Coalfield Resiliency and Revitalization Program for a period of five years to address the economic challenges faced by Boone, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, which are collectively referred to as the "Southern Coalfield." The program aims to revitalize these communities by creating a collaboration between state government, higher education, and private and nonprofit sectors to streamline and increase technical, agricultural, and economic assistance. A Revitalization Council, composed of representatives from various state agencies, county commissions, and educational institutions, will be formed to organize and prioritize state resources and technical assistance. This council will develop strategies to stimulate economic activity, assess and repurpose assets from former industrial sites, and provide economic policy recommendations. The program will also involve "contributing partners," which are additional entities providing technical assistance, such as the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and various university centers. The bill mandates an annual report to the Governor and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance detailing the program's progress and results. Furthermore, the Division of Economic Development and the Revitalization Council will facilitate economic development incentives for businesses investing in these counties, including tax credits, and will authorize the provision of state property and equipment at a reduced cost, prioritizing West Virginia's natural resources and industries.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4958&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill