CHARLESTON (AP) — County development authorities across West Virginia have received more than $4 million from the state’s coal-bed methane severance tax.
The largest amount, more than $1.3 million, went to McDowell County. Seven other counties with coal-bed methane production received payments ranging from $662,654 to $42,465.
Forty-seven nonproducing counties, including Logan, Boone and Minog, received minimum payments of $15,188 each.
The Legislature approved the 5 percent tax in 2000 but there was a moratorium on collecting it until the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
Wyoming County Sen. Richard Browning tells the Charleston Gazette that a law passed this year clarifies how county development authorities can use the revenue, primarily for water or sewer projects. They also can use the money for site preparation for economic development sites such as business or industrial parks.
Post a Comment
