Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, expressed her satisfaction as the committee passed bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in nearly 20 years. Capito welcomed West Virginia economic development district leaders to a committee business meeting as the panel voted to advance the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 by voice vote.

In a statement, Capito highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, “Today, the EPW Committee took an important step for local communities across the country by passing the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bipartisan legislation will help the EDA carry out its mission to drive investment, create jobs, and grow our local economies in West Virginia."

The Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 introduces key reforms to modernize EDA’s core programs, authorizing activities such as workforce development, disaster assistance, and dedicated funding for the Assistance to Coal Communities program within the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. The bill also includes provisions to update laws related to federal regional commissions and establish two new regional commissions.

Alongside Capito, Chairman Tom Carper, Kevin Cramer, and Mark Kelly introduced the legislation. Capito expressed her appreciation for their collaboration, stating, “I appreciate Chairman Carper, Senator Cramer, and Senator Kelly for joining in this effort to reauthorize the EDA, and look forward to working with them to advance the bill."

In addition to the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024, the EPW Committee also passed the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act and the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2024 by voice vote.

The full text of the bill and further details can be accessed through the provided links.