HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 68

(By Delegates Linville and Cannon)

[Originating in the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure; Reported on March 7, 2023]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the effects of site preparedness on economic development and its potential draw of business investment in the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, Site preparedness is loosely defined as the public or private pre-development of land or buildings that would decrease the costs of development for interested parties wishing to expand or introduce new business opportunities in a given area; and

Whereas, Site preparedness may be as small as logging and land excavation or as complex as utility or road construction; and

Whereas, Companies or real estate developers may be discouraged from investing in areas that would require extensive land development prior to construction; and

Whereas, Site preparedness provided for or subsidized by public or private entities would help alleviate the hesitation of making investments in such areas; and

Whereas, The eventual economic gains of new or expanded businesses will far surpass the costs of site preparedness by orders of magnitude; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia is committed to making this state a perfect place to work, live, and raise a family; and

Whereas, The House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure finds that the issues associated with site preparedness requires in-depth consideration from all sides of the issue; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effects of site preparedness on economic development and its potential draw of business investment in the State of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session twenty twenty-four, on its findings with any suggestions for 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.