§13-2C-2. Legislative findings.

It is hereby determined and declared as a matter of legislative finding (a) that critical conditions of unemployment exist in many areas of this state; (b) that lack of employment and business opportunities have resulted in thousands of people leaving this state to find employment elsewhere, and this exodus has adversely affected the tax base of counties and municipalities within this state, resulting in an impairment of their ability to support local government; (c) that the development of new commercial, mining, industrial and manufacturing projects are essential to relieve unemployment and establish a balanced economy within the state; (d) that the present and prospective health, happiness, safety, right of gainful employment and general welfare of the citizens of each of the counties and municipalities of this state will be promoted by the establishment of industrial projects and commercial projects as herein provided; (e) that the means and measures herein authorized for the promotion of industrial projects and commercial projects are, as a matter of public policy, for the public purpose of the several counties, municipalities and the State of West Virginia; (f) that the abatement or control of pollution of the environment of the state is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of the state, to protect the natural resources of the state and to encourage the economic development of the state; and (g) that in addition to the development of new industrial projects and commercial projects the retention of existing industrial projects and commercial projects within the state through the means and measures herein authorized is vital to the maintenance of a balanced economy and for the preservation of employment within the state and is for the public purpose of the several counties, municipalities and the State of West Virginia.