Special Session Produces Bills to Boost Economic Development

West Virginia’s second special session this year passed many bills, including two key multimillion dollar economic and infrastructure development laws. Both are on their way to the governor for his signature now. The House of Delegates established an economic development fund with control of up to $600 million in budget surplus funds. The $600 million appropriation will help the Economic Development Association in their loan program. The economic development bill also includes a minimum of $200 million to finance high-impact development projects such as the Nucor steel mill going into Mason County. Another bill passed provided a $250 million water-sewer matching fund managed by the Water Development Authority.