HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 149
(By Delegates Nelson, Capito, Byrd and Skaff)
[Originating, on March 7, 2020 ]
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the operation and ownership of the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston, West Virginia and to study the best management structures, development opportunities, and ownership structures, including public/private or any other structure necessary to maximize the development and operation of the Park.
Whereas, The Legislature finds that economic development in West Virginia depends in part on collaborations developed between higher education and businesses and industry, particularly in the advancement of new and emerging technologies; and
Whereas, The Legislature finds that the Park is a diversified, multi-tenant research, development and commercialization park focused on energy, chemicals, and other sciences and technologies for the advancement of education and economic development in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Legislature finds that the Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) has ownership of the Park; and
Whereas, The Legislature finds that it is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that the day to day operations of the Park are carried out effectively and efficiently in order to provide the greatest investment return to the people of West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Legislature finds that the Commission is authorized to enter into agreements and other contractual relationships in order to achieve maximum efficiency in managing the Park; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
Further Resolved, That the study include reporting on the operation and ownership of the I-79 Technology Park and any other research parks in West Virginia to determine best results and practices; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study include all necessary information on operations, revenues, employment, debt, property encumbrances, and research park makeup; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance contract with an appropriate entity, at a cost not to exceed $50,000, to prepare a report to the Legislature; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, not later than 60 days prior to the first day of the regular session, 2021, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation 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 Joint Committee on Government and Finance.