WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION Enrolled Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 354 BYSBy ENATORSJEFFRIES,Senators AYNARD,Jeffries, SWOPE,Maynard, HILLIP,Swope, PLYMALE,ANDPhillips, WOODRUMPlymale, [Originatingand inWoodrum the[Passed CommitteeFebruary on14, Economic2024; Development;

reportedin Januaryeffect 18,90 2024]days from passage] Enr CS for SB 354 AAN BILLACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §5B-11-1, §5B-11-2, §5B-11-3, and §5B-11-4, all relating to creating the West Virginia Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority;

The Legislature finds that the Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor, once known as Tug-Ohio-Levisa-Sandy Improvement Association (TOLSIA) and the King Coal Highway, which runs through the counties of McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wayne,Wyoming has undergone significant challenges owing to widespread changes in the national and global economies;

The economic development agencies along this corridor are aligning efforts to embrace the expansion of the energy and economic development policies adopted by the West Virginia Legislature as a tool for economic development and are focused on efforts to transform and 1 Enr CS for SB 354 revitalize the region by fostering partnerships and initiatives which are complementary and supportive of existing successful industries in West Virginia.

It shall consist of the following 1315 members who are involved in economic, commercial, or industrial development in the geographic region of the authority:

(5) A representative of the Regioneconomic 1development Planningagency andof DevelopmentWyoming Council;County;

(6) A representative of the Region 21 Planning and Development Council;

and (7) TheA followingrepresentative sevenof members appointed by the Governor,Region or2 hisPlanning orand herDevelopment designee:Council;

and (8) The following seven members appointed by the Governor, or his or her designee:

(C) ThreeFour private sector representatives from the technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, and aviation, aerospace, or advanced manufacturingair mobility sectors in the corridor region;

and2 Enr CS for SB 354 and (D) Two at-large members from regions and counties along the corridor who have knowledge and experience in local issues, economic development, and other areas of expertise.

(6) Seek governmental engagement for guidance on local, state, regional or national 3 Enr CS for SB 354 initiatives to achieve economic development objectives;

CS for SB 354 (7) Utilize cutting-edge technologies and innovation platforms where their applications will be most beneficial;

(6) Contract for the provision of legal services by private counsel and, notwithstanding any other provision of the code to the contrary, the counsel may, in addition to the provisions of other legal services, represent the authority in court, negotiate contracts and other agreements on behalf of the authority, render advice to the authority on any matter relating to the authority, 4 Enr CS for SB 354 prepare contracts and other agreements, and provide such other legal services as may be requested by the authority;