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Bill

HB 2183

Providing a statutory program for loaning financial assistance to local airports for airplane hangar construction in this State

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Browning and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2183 provides loans to West Virginia's local airports for constructing hangars, boosting infrastructure and stimulating economic growth in the region.

To House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 2183

Summary of House Bill 2183

Bill Number: HB 2183
Title: Providing a statutory program for loaning financial assistance to local airports for airplane hangar construction in this State
Status: To House Finance
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Roads and Transportation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2183 aims to establish a statutory program that provides financial assistance in the form of loans to local airports in West Virginia for the construction of airplane hangars. The bill seeks to enhance the infrastructure of local airports, thereby supporting aviation activities and promoting economic development within the state.

Key Provisions

The bill amends and reenacts §17-16F-29 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, and includes the following key provisions:

  1. Financial Assistance Availability:

    • The West Virginia Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities is authorized to provide financial assistance through grants or loans to counties, municipalities, and regional airport authorities for various airport-related activities, including planning, acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of hangar facilities.
  2. Loan Program:

    • The division may offer loans specifically for the construction and improvement of hangar facilities. This is a new addition to the existing financial assistance framework.
  3. Pilot Project Program:

    • The division is required to establish a pilot project program to set eligibility standards for airports seeking loaned funds. Criteria for eligibility will include:
      • Site readiness
      • Aviation educational advancement
      • Economic impact on the area
      • Market demand for hangar space
      • Other relevant factors as determined by the division.
  4. Collaboration with Other Agencies:

    • The division may collaborate with the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the Department of Commerce, and other state and local agencies to identify funding opportunities for hangar projects.
  5. Limitations on Participation:

    • The division has the authority to limit the number of participating airports in the pilot project program based on the availability of allocated funds.
  6. Rules and Conditions:

    • The division will establish rules and conditions for airports participating in the program, which will be influenced by the funding available.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected:

  • Local Airports: Counties, municipalities, and regional airport authorities in West Virginia will be the primary beneficiaries of the financial assistance provided under this bill.
  • Economic Development: The bill is expected to stimulate local economies by improving airport infrastructure and potentially increasing aviation-related activities.

Procedural Aspects:

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Finance Committee on February 12, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through the legislative process.

Conclusion

House Bill 2183 represents a significant step towards enhancing the infrastructure of local airports in West Virginia by providing necessary financial assistance for hangar construction. By establishing a structured loan program, the bill aims to foster economic growth and improve aviation services across the state.

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

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