This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to mandate that local governments, including county commissions, municipalities, urban renewal authorities, land reuse agencies, and municipal land banks, provide matching funds amounting to 20% of the total grant awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection under the Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program. However, local governments can be exempted from this requirement if they can demonstrate fiscal incapacity, using data from the West Virginia State Auditor's Office. Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, any fines or payments collected by these entities related to property maintenance must be allocated to a separate account specifically for meeting the matching fund requirements or for the demolition of condemned properties.

The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Environmental Protection to propose rules for the disbursement of funds and the establishment of the program. It emphasizes that the state and its political subdivisions are not restricted from disposing of abandoned and dilapidated structures through other legal means. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the financial accountability of local governments in addressing abandoned and dilapidated properties while ensuring that funds are effectively utilized for remediation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-15A-30