WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2024 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

House Bill 5646

By Delegates Dillon and Ross

[Introduced February 13, 2024; Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism then Finance]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §31-15-7a, relating to requiring the Economic Development Authority to provide matching funds to county commissions for supporting basic services such as Emergency Medical Services.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 15. WEST VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

§31-15-7a. Providing matching funds for county commissions.

(a) The Legislature finds that access to basic services such as Emergency Medical Services is a necessary prerequisite for economic growth across the state, therefore:

(1) The Economic Development Authority shall make matching funds of up to $1,000,000 per county available for any county commission seeking such funds and establish an application process to obtain such funding:  Provided, That the county commission has identified and set aside equivalent matching funds for the same purpose within its own budget; and

(2) If requirements outlined about are met and application is complete in good order, Economic Development Authority shall by default approve such applications.

(b) The state funds may be used for purchase of equipment, facilities and real property necessary to support Emergency Medical Services programs.

(c) County matching funds shall remain unrestricted and shall be eligible for expenses related to personnel and salaries, in addition to all other related expenses.

(d) Counties receiving matching funds may not apply for additional funds from the Economic Development Authority for a period of five years.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to require the Economic Development Authority to provide matching funds to county commissions for supporting basic services such as Emergency Medical Services.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.