West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HCR93

Introduced
2/27/24  

Caption

A study resolution to examine the lost economic impact from the move of Plum Orchard Lake to Wildlife management and to examine potential economic gain for moving it away form Wildlife Management and making it a State Park.

Impact

If the study proposed by HCR93 is approved and conducted, it could lead to significant alterations in state laws pertaining to land use and management. The resolution envisions that the committee will provide findings and recommendations that could include legislative drafts aimed at improving the economic landscape surrounding Plum Orchard Lake. This could potentially enhance recreational opportunities, tourism, and related economic activities if the area is designated as a State Park, thereby affecting local businesses and state revenue.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 93 (HCR93) seeks to prompt the West Virginia Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a detailed study on the economic implications of designating Plum Orchard Lake as a Wildlife Management Area versus transforming it into a State Park. This resolution acknowledges the potential economic losses incurred from its current designation and aims to explore alternatives that could enhance economic benefits to the region. The background context indicates that the transition to a Wildlife Management Area may have had unintended negative economic consequences, necessitating a comprehensive analysis.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HCR93 appears mostly supportive, as it seeks to evaluate and address economic concerns raised by stakeholders. Legislators advocating for the resolution likely believe it is a proactive approach to injecting economic vitality into the area. However, potential opposition may emerge from environmental groups or wildlife advocates who could value the current designation for conservation purposes over economic gains, thus reflecting a division between economic development goals and conservation efforts.

Contention

The core contention surrounding HCR93 revolves around the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship. Supporters will likely argue for the benefits of improved economic outcomes through increased tourism and recreational activities should the area be designated as a State Park. Opponents may counter that such a transition could lead to over-commercialization, impacting the ecological integrity of the area. The study proposed aims to bring clarity to these conflicting views by relying on empirical data regarding economic impacts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HCR60

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the economic and tourism impacts creating a cross state biking and hiking trail.

WV HCR68

Requesting a study on the effects of site preparedness on economic development.

WV HB2406

Relating to licensure for polygraph examiners

WV HB3180

Wildlife corridors to reduce animal-vehicle collision

WV HB3053

Requesting a study to evaluate and analyze the potential for bulk energy storage resources

WV HB3420

Relating to the reimbursement of sexual assault forensic medical examinations

WV HB2945

Relating to state boards of examination or registration

WV SB27

Assessing wildlife impact fee on wind power projects

WV HB2486

Economic and Community Development Task Force

WV SB675

Increasing reimbursement of sexual assault forensic medical examination kits

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.