West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 165 - Community And Economic Development
West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 165 – Community and Economic Development
1. Purpose and Scope
Agency 165 establishes the rules and procedures governing programs and initiatives aimed at promoting community growth, revitalization, and economic development within the state of West Virginia.
The agency’s main objectives include:
Encouraging local economic growth.
Supporting infrastructure improvements.
Facilitating partnerships between public and private sectors.
Administering state-funded grants and assistance programs targeted at community development.
2. Organizational Structure
The rules describe the organizational setup for managing community and economic development programs:
A governing body or commission oversees the administration and implementation of programs.
Designated officials or departments are responsible for reviewing applications, disbursing funds, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
Local communities and organizations can apply for grants or technical assistance.
3. Program Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must demonstrate that their projects or initiatives promote economic growth or community improvement.
Eligible applicants may include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, economic development agencies, and sometimes private sector partners.
Applications typically require detailed project descriptions, budgets, timelines, and expected outcomes.
The agency evaluates applications based on criteria such as feasibility, potential impact, sustainability, and alignment with state goals.
4. Grant and Funding Provisions
Funding is distributed primarily through grants awarded to qualified applicants.
The agency establishes guidelines for the use of funds, which may include:
Infrastructure development (roads, utilities, etc.)
Business attraction and retention programs
Workforce training and development
Community revitalization projects
There are rules governing:
Maximum and minimum grant amounts.
Matching fund requirements (applicants may need to provide some portion of funding).
Reporting and accountability standards for grant recipients.
5. Monitoring and Compliance
Recipients of funds must comply with reporting requirements demonstrating progress and appropriate use of funds.
The agency or designated officials conduct audits or site visits as necessary.
Noncompliance with program rules or misuse of funds may result in:
Requirement to return funds.
Ineligibility for future funding.
Other corrective actions.
6. Public Involvement and Transparency
The agency encourages public participation and stakeholder input during planning and implementation.
Meetings, notices, and decisions related to funding allocations are made transparent and accessible to interested parties.
7. Key Principles and Internal Logic (Based on Agency 165 Text Alone)
Promotion of Economic Growth: Programs must directly or indirectly support local economic improvement.
Accountability: Recipients are held responsible for using funds properly and meeting goals.
Partnership: Collaboration between state entities, local governments, and private organizations is encouraged.
Sustainability: Projects should have lasting benefits beyond the initial funding period.
Fairness: Application and award processes are structured to be equitable and based on clear criteria.
Summary
Agency 165 lays out a framework for how the state of West Virginia administers community and economic development programs. It governs eligibility, application, funding, monitoring, and compliance, all aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth at the local level.
The rules themselves provide a comprehensive guide to ensuring that public resources are used effectively to strengthen communities and encourage economic vitality without referencing any outside statutes or laws.
RELATED Blog
0 comments