The bill proposes significant amendments to the existing West Virginia Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority, renaming it the King Coal Highway Economic Advisory Board. It aims to modify legislative findings related to the creation of the advisory board, emphasizing the economic damages faced by counties along the King Coal Highway due to harmful federal environmental policies. The bill also reduces the membership of the advisory board from 15 to 11 members and alters the requirements for these members, ensuring representation from local county commissions and adding specific industry experience requirements.

Additionally, the bill outlines the powers and duties of the newly formed advisory board, which include setting tactical goals, fostering partnerships, and seeking governmental engagement for economic development initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of leveraging local resources and expertise to support economic recovery in the region. The advisory board is tasked with reporting its activities and recommendations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance annually, starting in December 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance economic development efforts in southern West Virginia by restructuring the advisory board and refining its focus and responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-11-1, 5B-11-2, 5B-11-3, 5B-11-4