The
West Virginia House of Delegates has moved quickly to help businesses impacted
by the ongoing water emergency in parts of nine counties.
The
House passed a bill Thursday. 97-0, that would provide loans and grants to
businesses, particularly small businesses, that are impacted during a state of
emergency.
Bill
sponsor Del. Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, told fellow House members the business
owners had no control over the contamination of their water supply from a
chemical spill on the Elk River last week.
House
Minority Leader Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, said businesses are struggling.
The bill puts a framework in place
to help the businesses. It provides no specific funding. It leaves that up to
the governor’s office. Lawmakers would later consider the specifics for the
program in rules legislation.
Del.
David Walker, D-Clay, supported the bill but said he was disappointed it didn’t
include an avenue to financially help residents who have missed worked because
of the water emergency.
Some
other delegates said workers might be eligible for emergency unemployment
benefits from the federal government because President Barack Obama approved
federal disaster assistance in connection with the emergency.
The
House waived its regular rules and passed the bill quickly Thursday afternoon.
Armstead said in this situation it’s important not to delay.
The
bill provides an avenue for the state to try to recover money from Freedom
Industries where the leak occurred to try to pay for the program.
The
legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
