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. This requirement can be waived if the local government can demonstrate fiscal inability, 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 structures.

The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Environmental Protection to propose rules for the management and distribution of funds from the Reclamation of Abandoned and Dilapidated Properties Program. It emphasizes that the funds are to be used solely for the remediation of abandoned and dilapidated properties and outlines the establishment of a special revenue fund to support these efforts. The bill aims to enhance local government accountability and ensure that resources are effectively utilized for the rehabilitation of blighted properties.

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