Welcome to WVEDC.org
The West Virginia Economic Development Council was created to bring the various economic development professionals and organizations from around the state together to share and collaborate on common programs and issues. WVEDC promotes activities to retain and expand current business and industry in West Virginia and to attract new business and industry to West Virginia. WVEDC is the only professional organization in the State with the sole functions of promoting economic development and serving economic development professionals across West Virginia. Please browse our site to find out more about our commitment to the communities, businesses, and economy of West Virginia. Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
June 24, 2013
WVEDC Board of Directors
West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Charleston
Time: 11:00 am
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May 24 2013
Preliminary report from the WV Blue Ribbon Highway Commission released this week. The state’s Blue Ribbon Highways Commission says the Division of Highways needs $672.6 million each year just to maintain current conditions. It would need $850 million more a year to bring roads and bridges up to standards. The proposals to raise these funds include:—Increase the consumer sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent to generate $200 million more each year. —Create a “West Virginia Transportation Fund using Turnpike tolls, and making cuts to the state Parkways Authority to come up with $50 million. —Increase vehicle sales tax from 5 percent to 6 percent to generate another $37.2 million a year. —Raise vehicle registration fees from $28.50 to $49 to raise $26 million a year, and raise title fees from $5 to $40 to pull in another $19 million a year. —Increasing the automobile privilege tax from 5 percent to 6 percent, which would raise $37.2 million.—Increasing the cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack, with the increase dedicated to the Road Fund, raising $37 million.—Increasing the excise tax on diesel fuel, which would raise $14.5 million.—Setting a special registration fee for alternative-fuel vehicles at $200 a year, which would raise $1.1 million. If all proposals were adopted, Road Fund revenues would increase by $419.8 million a year—less than half of what is needed, according to reports to the commission. Several commissioners noted that it would be politically unfeasible to raise that amount of taxes and fees. The WV Blue Ribbon Highway Commission will hold six public hearings around the state in June. The meeting dates and locations have not been announced yet.
May 16, 2013
2013-2014 Interim Committee Meeting Dates Have Been Set