This bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the Industrial Access Road Fund, specifically sections 17-3A-1, 17-3A-2, and 17-3A-4. It clarifies the use of funds, allowing for expenditures related to industrial access roads that serve sites already constructed, under firm contract, or approved as part of the West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. The bill also establishes a response deadline of 90 days for the Division of Highways to approve or comment on requests for the use of funds for new or expanding industrial sites. Additionally, it raises the annual funding limit from $400,000 to $800,000 for unmatched funds allocated to any one county, while also increasing the maximum amount of matched funds from $150,000 to $300,000.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that funds cannot be used for utility adjustments or for constructing access roads to certain facilities such as schools and shopping centers. It also emphasizes that funds may only be allocated for essential construction and engineering items necessary for traffic management. The changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Industrial Access Road Fund in supporting economic development through improved infrastructure for industrial sites in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-3A-1, 17-3A-2, 17-3A-4