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HCR 16

A resolution to task the Economic Development Authority to find land around Flatwoods and funding and businesses to make an area similar to Pigeon Forge to increase tourism and entertainment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 1 co-sponsor

Direct the Economic Development Authority to identify Flatwoods land and secure funding with private partners to create a multi-venue, Pigeon Forge–style tourism and entertainment

To House Energy and Public Works
#economicdevelopment #resolutions
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 16

Overview

HCR 16 (Session 2026, West Virginia) is a concurrent resolution directed at the Economic Development Authority (EDA). Its stated purpose is to task the EDA with identifying land around the Flatwoods area and securing funding and private sector partners to develop that area into a tourism- and entertainment-focused destination akin to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The resolution aims to leverage land and resources to boost regional tourism, entertainment offerings, and economic development.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a plan and framework for transforming a specified land area near Flatwoods into a multi-venue tourism and entertainment district.
  • Replicate elements associated with Pigeon Forge (a high-visitor, entertainment-oriented tourism corridor) to stimulate economic growth, jobs, and ancillary business development in the region.
  • Involve the EDA in coordinating land identification, financing strategies, and public-private partnerships to realize the project.

Key provisions and changes

  • Directive to the Economic Development Authority:
    • Identify and evaluate land around Flatwoods suitable for tourism/entertainment development.
    • Explore and secure funding sources (public, private, or blended financing) to finance the project.
    • Attract and engage businesses to participate in the development, including potential attractions, lodging, dining, entertainment venues, and related infrastructure.
  • Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships:
    • Encourage collaboration between government entities and private sector investors/operators to establish and operate attractions.
  • Infrastructure and development scope:
    • Focus on creating a destination with multiple entertainment offerings designed to draw visitors, increase overnight stays, and support ancillary local commerce.
  • Replication of Pigeon Forge model:
    • Apply strategies demonstrated by Pigeon Forge, including diversified entertainment options, cohesive branding, and a tourism-driven economic model.

Who/what would be affected

  • Government entities:
    • West Virginia Economic Development Authority would take the lead in land identification, financing planning, and coordinating public-private efforts.
  • Local area:
    • Flatwoods region could experience land use changes, increased tourism infrastructure, potential jobs in construction and hospitality, and longer-term economic activity.
  • Private sector:
    • Attraction operators, hotels, restaurants, retail, and service providers could participate as investors, tenants, or operators within the proposed development.
  • State-wide impact:
    • Potential to influence regional tourism strategy and state economic development priorities if the project proves successful.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Filed for introduction on 2026-01-29; referred to House Energy and Public Works and then Rules; introduced in the House.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Adam Vance and Eric Brooks.
  • No specific funding amounts, timelines, or legislative authorizations are provided in the summary of the bill as presented. The resolution appears to authorize and direct action by the EDA rather than to appropriate funds by itself; any funding would likely be pursued through subsequent appropriations or enabling legislation.

Potential considerations

  • Feasibility: Requires identification of suitable land, market analysis, environmental and zoning reviews, and community impact assessments.
  • Financing: Success depends on securing viable funding, incentives, and private investment.
  • Community impact: Local input, land use changes, and potential effects on residents and existing businesses should be evaluated.
  • Legislative status: Being a concurrent resolution, it expresses intent and direction rather than creating enforceable law; implementation would depend on subsequent actions by the EDA and possibly the General Assembly.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (economic impact, land use, financing mechanisms) or compare it to similar tourism-development initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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