The Senate Natural Resources Committee met Wednesday afternoon and advanced two bills regrading forest products and the West Virginia River Access and Bridge Modernization Act.
Senate Bill 761 would expand tax credits for value-added forest products.
The bill would offer tiered tax credits to manufacturers that transform West Virginia-harvested wood into value-added products, with enhanced incentives for new facilities and expansions.
This bill is intended to encourage in-state production of value-added forest products in West Virginia.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage, first being sent to the committee on Finance.
Senate Bill 708 would establish the West Virginia River Access and Bridge Modernization Act.
This bill would authorize the Division of Highways to evaluate and create safe public river access during bridge projects, while prohibiting eminent domain, limiting liability, and prioritizing risk education.
This bill is intended to improve public safety at rivers crossed by bridges.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation of passage, first being sent to the committee on Judiciary.
