CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice signed 19 bills into law Wednesday, including legislation allowing the formation of broadband internet co-ops and the creation of a South Charleston tax district.
House Bill 3093 allows individuals to create local internet co-ops and establish necessary infrastructure. The state Broadband Enhancement Council also has broadened control.
Justice also signed House Bill 2709 to allow South Charleston to create a tax increment financing district on more than 2,100 acres of land.
South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens has previously said taxes from new development could finance as much as $155 million in public investments, which could result in $200 million in private development.