HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 38

(By Delegates Ashley and Stalnaker)




Directing the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of the horse industry in West Virginia and to study the feasibility of establishing a year-round indoor horse facility in West Virginia.

Whereas, The horse industry in the United States is a serious and productive business, producing $25.3 billion in direct goods and services, has a $112.1 billion impact on the United States economy and generates over 1.4 million jobs nationwide; and
Whereas, West Virginia ranks in the top ten states nationally in terms of horse ownership; and
Whereas, No comprehensive study or comprehensive compilation of statistics and data regarding the horse industry in West Virginia is available in order to effectively analyze the economic contribution of the horse industry in the state and there is currently no year-round indoor horse facility in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina all have publicly or privately owned year-round indoor horse facilities that currently draw participation of West Virginia horse owners, and, according to the West Virginia Horse Council, an estimated $2 billion in revenue is leaving the state annually because there is no year-round indoor horse facility in the state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby directed to review, examine and study the status and economic impact of the horse industry in this state, the need and opportunity to further develop the industry in this state including, but not limited to, the feasibility of establishing a year-round indoor horse facility in the state, the ways and means for such development and the kinds of programs and facilities which are feasible and advisable and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the said Joint Ccommittee on Ggovernment and Ffinance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Jjoint Ccommittee on Ggovernment and Ffinance.