West Virginia2026Enacted

HB4008

West Virginia Business Ready Sites Program

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 11:08 AM

In one sentence

This law creates a program that helps government groups prepare industrial land for business by evaluating site readiness, offering matching grants to fix problems, and providing micro-grants based on the size of the land.

Creates the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program within the Division of Economic Development.
Establishes criteria to evaluate sites and certify them based on their readiness for development.
Allows local governments to apply so potential development sites can be evaluated, with a report identifying strengths and needed improvements.
Provides matching grants up to 50 percent for costs directly related to improving a site's developmental readiness.
Offers micro-grants of up to $100,000 for sites at least five acres in size or up to $250,000 for sites exceeding 20 acres.
Establishes the Certified Sites and Development Readiness Fund using state appropriations, external sources, and investment earnings.

State, county, municipal, and regional government entities such as economic development authorities or corporations.
The Division of Economic Development within the Department of Commerce.

The exact maximum dollar amount for matching grants has not been set yet and will be decided by the Division of Economic Development.
Grant money must be spent, contracted to be spent, or returned within 12 months of receiving it.
Funds received through these programs must be paid back if the site is sold or leased for development.

Plain language

Certified Sites and Development Readiness Program: A state program that evaluates land for industrial use, identifies needed improvements, and offers funding to fix those issues.
Matching Grant: Funding where the Division of Economic Development pays up to half the cost of site improvements if the applicant provides the other half.
Micro-Grant: A grant for specific site improvements, with amounts based on whether the land is at least five acres or more than 20 acres.

Official record

Validated

Relating to Business Ready Sites Program

Official activity