§5B-2-14. Certified development community program.

The certified development community program is continued and is transferred to, incorporated in and administered as a program of the Department of Economic Development. The program shall provide funding assistance to the participating economic development corporations or authorities through a matching grant program. The department shall establish criteria for awarding matching grants to the corporations or authorities within the limits of funds appropriated by the Legislature for the program. The matching grants to eligible corporations or authorities are in the amount of $50,000 for each fiscal year, if sufficient funds are appropriated by the Legislature. The department shall recognize existing county, regional or multicounty corporations or authorities where appropriate.

In developing its plan, the department shall consider resources and technical support available through other agencies, both public and private, including, but not limited to, the state college and university systems; the West Virginia Housing Development Fund; the West Virginia Economic Development Authority; the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority; the West Virginia Round Table; the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Regional Planning and Development Councils; Regional Partnership for Progress Councils; and state appropriations.