HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 82

(By Delegates Hott, Holstein, Ferrell, Wamsley, Riley and Howell)

[Introduced March 30, 2021; referred to Government Organization then Rules.]

Requesting the Joint committee on Government and Finance study the impact of the creation of an Economic Opportunity Task Force, along with the creation of certain regions and goals of the task force.

 Whereas, The creation of an Economic Opportunity Task Force would allow for further insight into the potential opportunities for economic development across the State of West Virginia; and

Whereas, By compiling the following, an infrastructure model will be established to set parameters and gather information for the task force: Division of Highways data pertaining to traffic counts; county assessors maps and flood plain tools; West Virginia Economic Development Authority requests and opportunities; Office of Broadband pertaining to telecom availability; and commerce generally pertaining to electric, water, wastewater and gas availability; and

Whereas, Available banking options and appetites shall be divided into nine regions: North Central, Ohio River Valley, Metro Valley, Central West Virginia, Southwest Region, Southeast Region, Highlands, Eastern Panhandle, and Scenic Highway; and

Whereas, There shall be established both short term and a 10-year plan answering how we fully utilize opportunities for economic development; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the process for the establishment of an Economic Opportunity Task Force; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with information gathered by the task force; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft any necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.