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2002 SESSION

023707820
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 162
Offered January 9, 2002
Prefiled January 9, 2002
Continuing the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission for the purpose of establishing the Center for Rural Virginia.
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Patrons-- Hogan, Dudley, Abbitt, Bryant, Byron, Carrico, Councill, Hurt, Janis, Johnson, Kilgore, Landes, Louderback, Marshall, D.W., May, Nutter, Rapp, Saxman, Stump and Wright; Senators: Hawkins and Ruff
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission was established by House Joint Resolution No. 129 and Senate Resolution No. 140 by the 2000 General Assembly and has recently completed a two-year study of the social and economic problems confronting rural Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Commission will make a number of recommendations to the 2002 Session of the General Assembly, but recognizes the problems confronting rural Virginia will require special attention beyond the scope of the Commission's work; and

WHEREAS, in order to continue the work started by the Commission, an organization is needed to build a coherent rural constituency, and to serve as an advocate for rural people and places; and

WHEREAS, the Commission recommends the creation of a Center for Rural Virginia for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, the Center for Rural Virginia, as proposed by the Commission, will be a 501(c)3 non-profit organization for the purpose of providing leadership training, technical assistance, constituency building, policy development and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, the Commission should be continued for one year for the purpose of serving as the initial board of directors of the Center; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission be continued for the purpose of establishing the Center for Rural Virginia. The standing members of the Commission, as of December 1, 2001, shall serve as the initial board of directors of the Center. The initial agenda of the Center shall be to develop the recommendations of the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission, including recommendations related to (i) capital access for rural areas, (ii) adult education and workforce enhancement, (iii) the digital economy, (iv) incentives for economic and rural development, (v) infrastructure, (vi) K-12 education, and (vii) primary industries. In addition, the Center shall explore the numerous issues brought before the Commission that require further study.

The membership of the Commission shall continue as initially appointed. Vacancies shall be appointed by the initial appointing authority.

The Division of Legislative Services and the Rural Economic Analysis Program at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) shall provide staff assistance for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

The direct cost of the study shall not exceed $13,200. An additional estimated $25,000 is allocated for analytical, planning and advisory services for Virginia Tech. Such expenses shall be funded by a separate appropriation to Virginia Tech.

The Commission shall complete its work by November 30, 2002, and shall submit its written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.