2.2-2238.1 - Special economic development services in rural communities; strategic plan.
§ 2.2-2238.1. Special economic development services in rural communities;strategic plan.
A. In order to assist the rural communities of the Commonwealth, theAuthority shall develop a program for reviewing existing economic developmentprograms of rural communities, upon request. The program shall include (i) areview and evaluation of existing industrial sites and infrastructure,including existing streets, water and sewer systems, electricity, natural gasand communications facilities that will provide high-speed or broadbandInternet access to rural and underserved areas of the Commonwealth; (ii) anassessment of the existing workforce and the provision of information onstate and federal programs such as tax incentives that may be available tolocal or prospective employers to assist in hiring and training in areas ofhigh unemployment; (iii) assistance in identifying community resources andthe type of industries that may benefit from locating in a community withsuch resources; and (iv) marketing assistance to help rural communitiesimprove their visibility to expanding industries looking for new facilities.
B. The Authority, the Center for Rural Virginia, the Virginia Department ofHousing and Community Development, the Virginia Resources Authority, theVirginia Department of Business Assistance, the Virginia TobaccoIndemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the VirginiaEmployment Commission, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the VirginiaCommunity College System, institutions of higher education within ruralregions of the Commonwealth, and the Department of Agriculture and ConsumerServices shall jointly develop and implement a rural economic developmentstrategic plan that at a minimum addresses: (i) education, includingpre-kindergarten, primary, secondary and post-graduate resources, andcomprehensive workforce development programs, as they may pertain to theWorkforce Investment Act; (ii) infrastructure, including capital for waterand sewer upgrading, waste management, law enforcement, housing, primary andsecondary roads, and telecommunications; (iii) traditional industrialdevelopment and industry retention programs, including assistance infinancing and in workforce training; (iv) recreational and culturalenhancement and related quality of life measures, including parks, civiccenters, and theaters; (v) agribusiness incentives to promote the use of newtechnologies, and the exploration of new market opportunities; and (vi) arevolving loan fund or loan guarantee program to help start or expandentrepreneurial activities, especially small business activities in ruralcommunities.
(2001, c. 531, § 2.1-548.29:1; 2005, cc. 737, 797; 2006, c. 251.)