HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 145

(By Delegate N. Brown)

[Introduced March 6, 2020]

Requesting the business schools of both Marshall University and West Virginia University study any and all policies and programs available to create and promote economic development in Southern West Virginia, more particularly Mingo, Logan, and Wayne Counties.

Whereas, Southern West Virginia has contributed much to the growth of the state through the widespread use of its two greatest resources, coal and its people; and

Whereas, Both of these have built our state into what it is today, and have contributed overwhelmingly to the popular image of our state, both at home and throughout the world; and

Whereas, Despite being blessed with these two precious resources, Southern West Virginia has in recent years lagged in economic growth; and

Whereas, Southern West Virginia has been disproportionately affected by national economic downturns and by both natural and manmade crises, ranging from floods to the opioid epidemic; and

Whereas, The full economic recovery of the whole of our state is impossible without the recovery of Southern West Virginia to vigorous economic health; and

Whereas, In order for Southern West Virginia to move forward, an organized, systemic evaluation of all aspects of business development needs to be undertaken; and

Whereas, Our state’s flagship universities are uniquely suited to provide this form of organized critical evaluation and planning; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the business schools of both Marshall University and West Virginia University study any and all policies and programs available to create and promote economic development in Southern West Virginia, more particularly Mingo, Logan, and Wayne Counties; and be it

Further Resolved,

That any such study focuses on the most efficient and practical uses for the utilization of flat post mine land which should be utilized; and be it

 Further Resolved,

That such study includes a report on all barriers and/or impediments to creating economic develop in those areas; and be it

Further Resolved,

That the final report of such study be presented to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance of the West Virginia Legislature on or before January 1, 2021.