{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-6900.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-6900.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-6900.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-6900.html"}],"law_id":58566,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58566,"structure_id":15381,"section_number":"15.2-6900","catch_line":"Compact created","history":"2007, cc. 941, 947.","full_text":"The Appalachian Region Interstate Compact (the Compact) is hereby created and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tArticle I. Short Title.\n\t\tThis act shall be known and may be cited as the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact.\n\t\tArticle II. Compact Established.\n\t\tPursuant to Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States, the signatories hereby provide a mechanism for the creation of one or more authorities for the purpose of developing one or more facilities to enhance the regional economy that shall constitute instrumentalities of the signatories.\n\t\tFor purposes of this chapter, “Appalachian Region” means the areas included in “region” as defined in \u00a7 15.2-6400 and \u00a7 403 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended (40 U.S.C. \u00a7 14102(a)(1)).\n\t\tArticle III. Agreement.\n\t\tThe Commonwealth of Virginia may enter into agreement with one or more signatory states and, upon adoption of this compact, agree as follows:\n\n1\n\nTo study, develop, and promote a plan for the design, construction, financing, and operation of interstate facilities of strategic interest to the signatory states;2\n\nTo coordinate efforts to establish a common legal framework in all the signatory states to authorize and facilitate design, construction, financing, and operation of such facilities either as publicly operated facilities or through other structures authorized by law;3\n\nTo advocate for federal and other public and private funding to support the establishment of interstate facilities of interest to all signatory states;4\n\nTo make available to such interstate facilities funding and resources that are or may be appropriated and allocated for that purpose; and5\n\nTo do all things necessary or convenient to facilitate and coordinate the economic and workforce development plans and programs of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the other signatory states, to the extent such plans and programs are not inconsistent with federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or other signatory states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV. Compact Commission Established; Membership; Chairman; Meetings; and Report.\n\t\t\tEach signatory state to the Compact shall establish a compact commission. In Virginia, the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission (the Commission) shall be established as a regional instrumentality and agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the signatory states. The compact commissions of the signatory states shall be empowered to carry out the purposes of their respective Compacts.\n\t\t\tThe Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission shall consist of six members from the other signatory states to be appointed pursuant to the laws of the signatory states, and six members of the Virginia delegation to the Commission to be appointed as follows: two members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and four members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. Members of the Virginia delegation to the Compact Commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office if an elected state or local representative, and may be reappointed. The chairman of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission from among its membership. The chairman shall serve for a term of two years, and the chairmanship shall rotate among the signatory states.\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall meet not less than twice annually; however, the Commission shall not meet more than once consecutively in the same state.\n\t\t\tArticle V. Powers and Duties of the Commission.\n\t\t\tThe Commission is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the power to sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded, and adopt and use a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient. In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the Commission may:1\n\nAdopt bylaws, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter;2\n\nEmploy, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, consultants, engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, financial experts, construction experts and personnel, superintendents, managers and other professional personnel, personnel, and agents as may be necessary in the judgment of the Commission, and fix their compensation;3\n\nDetermine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain facilities to the extent necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the Compact;4\n\nAcquire, own, hold, lease, use, sell, encumber, transfer, or dispose of, in its own name, any real or personal property or interests therein;5\n\nInvest and reinvest funds of the Commission;6\n\nEnter into contracts of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or convenient with respect to its carrying out the powers in this chapter to accomplish the purposes of the Compact;7\n\nExpend such funds as may be available to it for the purpose of developing facilities, including but not limited to (i) purchasing real estate; (ii) grading sites; (iii) improving, replacing, and extending water, sewer, natural gas, electrical, and other utility lines; (iv) constructing, rehabilitating, and expanding buildings; (v) constructing parking facilities; (vi) constructing access roads, streets, and rail lines; (vii) purchasing or leasing machinery and tools; and (viii) making any other improvements deemed necessary by the Commission to meet its objectives;8\n\nFix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, or other charges for the use of facilities or for services rendered in connection with the facilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and as approved by the Commission;9\n\nBorrow money from any source for any valid purpose, including working capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest; mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property or funds of the Commission; and contract with or engage the services of any person in connection with any financing, including financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;10\n\nIssue bonds the principal and interest on which are payable exclusively from the revenues and receipts of a specific facility in accordance with applicable laws;11\n\nAccept funds and property from the Commonwealth and other signatory jurisdictions, persons, counties, cities, and towns and use the same for any of the purposes for which the Commission is created;12\n\nApply for and accept grants or loans of money or other property from any federal agency for any of the purposes authorized in this chapter and expend or use the same in accordance with the directions and requirements attached thereto or imposed thereon by any such federal agency;13\n\nMake loans or grants to, and enter into cooperative arrangements with, any person, partnership, association, corporation, business or governmental entity in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, for the purposes of promoting economic and workforce development, provided that such loans or grants shall be made only from revenues of the Commission that have not been pledged or assigned for the payment of any of the Commission’s bonds, and to enter into such contracts, instruments, and agreements as may be expedient to provide for such loans, and any security therefor. The word “revenues” as used in this subdivision includes grants, loans, funds and property, as set out in subdivisions 11 and 12;14\n\nEnter into agreements with political subdivisions of the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with § 15.2-1300;15\n\nExercise any additional powers granted to it by subsequent legislation; and16\n\nDo all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.\n\t\t\tArticle VI. Funding and Compensation.\n\t\t\tThe Commission may utilize for its operation and expenses (i) funds that may be generated by borrowing, gifts and grants, (ii) funds appropriated to it for such purposes by the General Assembly of Virginia and the legislatures of the other signatory states, (iii) federal funds, and (iv) revenues collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission.\n\t\t\tMembers of the Virginia delegation to the Commission shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission as provided in § 2.2-2825. All such expenses shall be paid from existing appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, or other revenues collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission. Members of the Commission representing other signatory states shall receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission in accordance with the applicable laws of the respective signatory states.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":214623,"text":"The Appalachian Region Interstate Compact (the Compact) is hereby created and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tArticle I. Short Title.\n\t\tThis act shall be known and may be cited as the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact.\n\t\tArticle II. Compact Established.\n\t\tPursuant to Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States, the signatories hereby provide a mechanism for the creation of one or more authorities for the purpose of developing one or more facilities to enhance the regional economy that shall constitute instrumentalities of the signatories.\n\t\tFor purposes of this chapter, “Appalachian Region” means the areas included in “region” as defined in \u00a7 15.2-6400 and \u00a7 403 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended (40 U.S.C. \u00a7 14102(a)(1)).\n\t\tArticle III. Agreement.\n\t\tThe Commonwealth of Virginia may enter into agreement with one or more signatory states and, upon adoption of this compact, agree as follows:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":214624,"text":"To study, develop, and promote a plan for the design, construction, financing, and operation of interstate facilities of strategic interest to the signatory states;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":214625,"text":"To coordinate efforts to establish a common legal framework in all the signatory states to authorize and facilitate design, construction, financing, and operation of such facilities either as publicly operated facilities or through other structures authorized by law;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":214626,"text":"To advocate for federal and other public and private funding to support the establishment of interstate facilities of interest to all signatory states;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":214627,"text":"To make available to such interstate facilities funding and resources that are or may be appropriated and allocated for that purpose; and","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":214628,"text":"To do all things necessary or convenient to facilitate and coordinate the economic and workforce development plans and programs of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the other signatory states, to the extent such plans and programs are not inconsistent with federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or other signatory states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV. Compact Commission Established; Membership; Chairman; Meetings; and Report.\n\t\t\tEach signatory state to the Compact shall establish a compact commission. In Virginia, the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission (the Commission) shall be established as a regional instrumentality and agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the signatory states. The compact commissions of the signatory states shall be empowered to carry out the purposes of their respective Compacts.\n\t\t\tThe Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission shall consist of six members from the other signatory states to be appointed pursuant to the laws of the signatory states, and six members of the Virginia delegation to the Commission to be appointed as follows: two members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and four members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. Members of the Virginia delegation to the Compact Commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office if an elected state or local representative, and may be reappointed. The chairman of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission from among its membership. The chairman shall serve for a term of two years, and the chairmanship shall rotate among the signatory states.\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall meet not less than twice annually; however, the Commission shall not meet more than once consecutively in the same state.\n\t\t\tArticle V. Powers and Duties of the Commission.\n\t\t\tThe Commission is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the power to sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded, and adopt and use a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient. In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the Commission may:","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"1"},"6":{"id":214629,"text":"Adopt bylaws, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"2"},"7":{"id":214630,"text":"Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, consultants, engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, financial experts, construction experts and personnel, superintendents, managers and other professional personnel, personnel, and agents as may be necessary in the judgment of the Commission, and fix their compensation;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"8":{"id":214631,"text":"Determine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain facilities to the extent necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the Compact;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"9":{"id":214632,"text":"Acquire, own, hold, lease, use, sell, encumber, transfer, or dispose of, in its own name, any real or personal property or interests therein;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"10":{"id":214633,"text":"Invest and reinvest funds of the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"11":{"id":214634,"text":"Enter into contracts of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or convenient with respect to its carrying out the powers in this chapter to accomplish the purposes of the Compact;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"12":{"id":214635,"text":"Expend such funds as may be available to it for the purpose of developing facilities, including but not limited to (i) purchasing real estate; (ii) grading sites; (iii) improving, replacing, and extending water, sewer, natural gas, electrical, and other utility lines; (iv) constructing, rehabilitating, and expanding buildings; (v) constructing parking facilities; (vi) constructing access roads, streets, and rail lines; (vii) purchasing or leasing machinery and tools; and (viii) making any other improvements deemed necessary by the Commission to meet its objectives;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"13":{"id":214636,"text":"Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, or other charges for the use of facilities or for services rendered in connection with the facilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and as approved by the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"14":{"id":214637,"text":"Borrow money from any source for any valid purpose, including working capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest; mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property or funds of the Commission; and contract with or engage the services of any person in connection with any financing, including financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"15":{"id":214638,"text":"Issue bonds the principal and interest on which are payable exclusively from the revenues and receipts of a specific facility in accordance with applicable laws;","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"16":{"id":214639,"text":"Accept funds and property from the Commonwealth and other signatory jurisdictions, persons, counties, cities, and towns and use the same for any of the purposes for which the Commission is created;","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"17":{"id":214640,"text":"Apply for and accept grants or loans of money or other property from any federal agency for any of the purposes authorized in this chapter and expend or use the same in accordance with the directions and requirements attached thereto or imposed thereon by any such federal agency;","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"18":{"id":214641,"text":"Make loans or grants to, and enter into cooperative arrangements with, any person, partnership, association, corporation, business or governmental entity in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, for the purposes of promoting economic and workforce development, provided that such loans or grants shall be made only from revenues of the Commission that have not been pledged or assigned for the payment of any of the Commission’s bonds, and to enter into such contracts, instruments, and agreements as may be expedient to provide for such loans, and any security therefor. The word “revenues” as used in this subdivision includes grants, loans, funds and property, as set out in subdivisions 11 and 12;","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"14"},"19":{"id":214642,"text":"Enter into agreements with political subdivisions of the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with § 15.2-1300;","type":"section","prefixes":["14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"14","prefix_anchor":"14","level":1,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"15"},"20":{"id":214643,"text":"Exercise any additional powers granted to it by subsequent legislation; and","type":"section","prefixes":["15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"15","prefix_anchor":"15","level":1,"prior_prefix":"14","next_prefix":"16"},"21":{"id":214644,"text":"Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.\n\t\t\tArticle VI. Funding and Compensation.\n\t\t\tThe Commission may utilize for its operation and expenses (i) funds that may be generated by borrowing, gifts and grants, (ii) funds appropriated to it for such purposes by the General Assembly of Virginia and the legislatures of the other signatory states, (iii) federal funds, and (iv) revenues collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission.\n\t\t\tMembers of the Virginia delegation to the Commission shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission as provided in § 2.2-2825. All such expenses shall be paid from existing appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, or other revenues collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission. Members of the Commission representing other signatory states shall receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission in accordance with the applicable laws of the respective signatory states.","type":"section","prefixes":["16"],"prefix":"16","entire_prefix":"16","prefix_anchor":"16","level":1,"prior_prefix":"15"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15381,"edition_id":1,"name":"Appalachian Region Interstate Compact","identifier":"69","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12721,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:54:28","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:54:28","permalink":{"id":160591,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15381,"identifier":"69","token":"15.2\/IV\/69","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/69\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12721,"edition_id":1,"name":"Other Governmental Entities","identifier":"IV","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":157897,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12721,"identifier":"IV","token":"15.2\/IV","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":58566,"structure_id":15381,"section_number":"15.2-6900","catch_line":"Compact created","url":"\/15.2-6900\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/69\/15.2-6900","metadata":false}],"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-6900\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2007. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 941<\/a> and 947<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":59950,"section_number":"15.2-1300","catch_line":"Joint exercise of powers by political subdivisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1300\/"},{"id":57110,"section_number":"15.2-6400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-6400\/"},{"id":73173,"section_number":"2.2-2825","catch_line":"Reimbursement for certain travel expenditures; restrictions on reimbursement","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2825\/"}],"permalink":{"id":160593,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58566,"identifier":"15.2-6900","token":"15.2\/IV\/69\/15.2-6900","url":"\/15.2-6900\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-6900\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/69\/15.2-6900","dublin_core":{"Title":"Compact created","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-6900","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Appalachian Region<\/span> Interstate Compact (the Compact) is hereby created and entered into with all other jurisdictions<\/span> legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tArticle I. Short Title.\n\t\tThis act shall be known and may be cited as the Appalachian Region<\/span> Interstate Compact.\n\t\tArticle II. Compact Established.\n\t\tPursuant to Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States, the signatories hereby provide a mechanism for the creation of one or more authorities for the purpose of developing one or more facilities to enhance the regional economy that shall constitute instrumentalities of the signatories.\n\t\tFor purposes of this chapter, “Appalachian Region<\/span>” means the areas included in “region” as defined in \u00a7 15.2-6400<\/a> and \u00a7 403 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended (40 U.S.C. \u00a7 14102(a)(1)).\n\t\tArticle III. Agreement.\n\t\tThe Commonwealth of Virginia may enter into agreement with one or more signatory states and, upon adoption of this compact, agree as follows:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> To study, develop, and promote a plan for the design, construction, financing, and operation of interstate facilities of strategic interest to the signatory states; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To coordinate efforts to establish a common legal framework in all the signatory states to authorize and facilitate design, construction, financing, and operation of such facilities either as publicly operated facilities or through other structures authorized by law<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> To advocate for federal and other public and private funding to support the establishment of interstate facilities of interest to all signatory states; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> To make available to such interstate facilities funding and resources that are or may be appropriated and allocated for that purpose; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> To do all things necessary or convenient to facilitate and coordinate the economic and workforce development plans and programs of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the other signatory states, to the extent such plans and programs are not inconsistent with federal law<\/span> and the laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth of Virginia or other signatory states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV. Compact Commission Established; Membership; Chairman; Meetings; and Report.\n\t\t\tEach signatory state to the Compact shall establish a compact commission. In Virginia, the Appalachian Region<\/span> Interstate Compact Commission (the Commission) shall be established as a regional instrumentality and agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the signatory states. The compact commissions of the signatory states shall be empowered to carry out the purposes of their respective Compacts.\n\t\t\tThe Appalachian Region<\/span> Interstate Compact Commission shall consist of six members from the other signatory states to be appointed pursuant to the laws<\/span> of the signatory states, and six members of the Virginia delegation to the Commission to be appointed as follows: two members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and four members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. Members of the Virginia delegation to the Compact Commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office if an elected state or local representative, and may be reappointed. The chairman of the Commission shall be elected by the members of the Commission from among its membership. The chairman shall serve for a term of two years, and the chairmanship shall rotate among the signatory states.\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall meet not less than twice annually; however, the Commission shall not meet more than once consecutively in the same state.\n\t\t\tArticle V. Powers and Duties of the Commission.\n\t\t\tThe Commission is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the power to sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded, and adopt and use a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient. In addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the Commission may: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Adopt bylaws, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors, consultants, engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, financial experts, construction experts and personnel, superintendents, managers and other professional personnel, personnel, and agents as may be necessary in the judgment<\/span> of the Commission, and fix their compensation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Determine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, repair, remodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain facilities to the extent necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the Compact; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Acquire, own, hold, lease, use, sell, encumber, transfer, or dispose of, in its own name, any real or personal property or interests therein; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Invest and reinvest funds of the Commission; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Enter into contracts<\/span> of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or convenient with respect to its carrying out the powers in this chapter to accomplish the purposes of the Compact; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Expend such funds as may be available to it for the purpose of developing facilities, including but not limited to (i) purchasing real estate; (ii) grading sites; (iii) improving, replacing, and extending water, sewer, natural gas, electrical, and other utility lines; (iv) constructing, rehabilitating, and expanding buildings; (v) constructing parking facilities; (vi) constructing access roads, streets, and rail lines; (vii) purchasing or leasing machinery and tools; and (viii) making any other improvements deemed necessary by the Commission to meet its objectives; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees, or other charges for the use of facilities or for services rendered in connection with the facilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws<\/span> and as approved by the Commission; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Borrow money from any source for any valid purpose, including working capital for its operations, reserve funds, or interest; mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber the property or funds of the Commission; and contract<\/span> with or engage the services of any person in connection with any financing, including financial institutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Issue<\/span> bonds<\/span> the principal and interest on which are payable exclusively from the revenues<\/span> and receipts of a specific facility in accordance with applicable laws<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Accept funds and property from the Commonwealth and other signatory jurisdictions<\/span>, persons, counties, cities, and towns<\/span> and use the same for any of the purposes for which the Commission is created; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Apply for and accept grants or loans of money or other property from any federal agency for any of the purposes authorized in this chapter and expend or use the same in accordance with the directions and requirements attached thereto or imposed thereon by any such federal agency; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> Make loans or grants to, and enter into cooperative arrangements with, any person, partnership, association, corporation, business or governmental entity in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, for the purposes of promoting economic and workforce development, provided that such loans or grants shall be made only from revenues<\/span> of the Commission that have not been pledged or assigned for the payment of any of the Commission’s bonds<\/span>, and to enter into such contracts<\/span>, instruments, and agreements as may be expedient to provide for such loans, and any security therefor. The word “revenues<\/span>” as used in this subdivision includes grants, loans, funds and property, as set out in subdivisions 11 and 12; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> Enter into agreements with political subdivisions of the Commonwealth for joint or cooperative action in accordance with § 15.2-1300<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

15.<\/span> Exercise any additional powers granted to it by subsequent legislation; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

16.<\/span> Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.\n\t\t\tArticle VI. Funding and Compensation.\n\t\t\tThe Commission may utilize for its operation and expenses (i) funds that may be generated by borrowing, gifts and grants, (ii) funds appropriated to it for such purposes by the General Assembly of Virginia and the legislatures of the other signatory states, (iii) federal funds, and (iv) revenues<\/span> collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission.\n\t\t\tMembers of the Virginia delegation to the Commission shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission as provided in § 2.2-2825<\/a>. All such expenses shall be paid from existing appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, or other revenues<\/span> collected for the use of any facility approved by the Commission. Members of the Commission representing other signatory states shall receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission in accordance with the applicable laws<\/span> of the respective signatory states. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMPACT CREATED (\u00a7 15.2-6900)\n\nThe Appalachian Region Interstate Compact (the Compact) is hereby created and\nentered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in the form\nsubstantially as follows:\n\t\tArticle I. Short Title.\n\t\tThis act shall be known and may be cited as the Appalachian Region Interstate\nCompact.\n\t\tArticle II. Compact Established.\n\t\tPursuant to Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States,\nthe signatories hereby provide a mechanism for the creation of one or more\nauthorities for the purpose of developing one or more facilities to enhance the\nregional economy that shall constitute instrumentalities of the signatories.\n\t\tFor purposes of this chapter, “Appalachian Region” means the areas\nincluded in “region” as defined in \u00a7 15.2-6400 and \u00a7 403 of the\nAppalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended (40 U.S.C. \u00a7\n14102(a)(1)).\n\t\tArticle III. Agreement.\n\t\tThe Commonwealth of Virginia may enter into agreement with one or more\nsignatory states and, upon adoption of this compact, agree as follows:\n\n1. To study, develop, and promote a plan for the design, construction,\nfinancing, and operation of interstate facilities of strategic interest to the\nsignatory states;\n\n2. To coordinate efforts to establish a common legal framework in all the\nsignatory states to authorize and facilitate design, construction, financing,\nand operation of such facilities either as publicly operated facilities or\nthrough other structures authorized by law;\n\n3. To advocate for federal and other public and private funding to support the\nestablishment of interstate facilities of interest to all signatory states;\n\n4. To make available to such interstate facilities funding and resources that\nare or may be appropriated and allocated for that purpose; and\n\n5. To do all things necessary or convenient to facilitate and coordinate the\neconomic and workforce development plans and programs of the Commonwealth of\nVirginia, and the other signatory states, to the extent such plans and programs\nare not inconsistent with federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth of\nVirginia or other signatory states.\n\t\t\tArticle IV. Compact Commission Established; Membership; Chairman; Meetings;\nand Report.\n\t\t\tEach signatory state to the Compact shall establish a compact commission. In\nVirginia, the Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission (the Commission)\nshall be established as a regional instrumentality and agency of the\nCommonwealth of Virginia and the signatory states. The compact commissions of\nthe signatory states shall be empowered to carry out the purposes of their\nrespective Compacts.\n\t\t\tThe Appalachian Region Interstate Compact Commission shall consist of six\nmembers from the other signatory states to be appointed pursuant to the laws of\nthe signatory states, and six members of the Virginia delegation to the\nCommission to be appointed as follows: two members to be appointed by the Senate\nCommittee on Rules, and four members to be appointed by the Speaker of the\nHouse. Members of the Virginia delegation to the Compact Commission shall serve\nterms coincident with their terms of office if an elected state or local\nrepresentative, and may be reappointed. The chairman of the Commission shall be\nelected by the members of the Commission from among its membership. The chairman\nshall serve for a term of two years, and the chairmanship shall rotate among the\nsignatory states.\n\t\t\tThe Commission shall meet not less than twice annually; however, the\nCommission shall not meet more than once consecutively in the same state.\n\t\t\tArticle V. Powers and Duties of the Commission.\n\t\t\tThe Commission is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including the\npower to sue and be sued in its own name, plead and be impleaded, and adopt and\nuse a common seal and alter the same as may be deemed expedient. In addition to\nthe powers set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the Commission may:\n\n1. Adopt bylaws, rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this\nchapter;\n\n2. Employ, either as regular employees or as independent contractors,\nconsultants, engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, financial experts,\nconstruction experts and personnel, superintendents, managers and other\nprofessional personnel, personnel, and agents as may be necessary in the\njudgment of the Commission, and fix their compensation;\n\n3. Determine the locations of, develop, establish, construct, erect, repair,\nremodel, add to, extend, improve, equip, operate, regulate, and maintain\nfacilities to the extent necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of\nthe Compact;\n\n4. Acquire, own, hold, lease, use, sell, encumber, transfer, or dispose of, in\nits own name, any real or personal property or interests therein;\n\n5. Invest and reinvest funds of the Commission;\n\n6. Enter into contracts of any kind, and execute all instruments necessary or\nconvenient with respect to its carrying out the powers in this chapter to\naccomplish the purposes of the Compact;\n\n7. Expend such funds as may be available to it for the purpose of developing\nfacilities, including but not limited to (i) purchasing real estate; (ii)\ngrading sites; (iii) improving, replacing, and extending water, sewer, natural\ngas, electrical, and other utility lines; (iv) constructing, rehabilitating, and\nexpanding buildings; (v) constructing parking facilities; (vi) constructing\naccess roads, streets, and rail lines; (vii) purchasing or leasing machinery and\ntools; and (viii) making any other improvements deemed necessary by the\nCommission to meet its objectives;\n\n8. Fix and revise from time to time and charge and collect rates, rents, fees,\nor other charges for the use of facilities or for services rendered in\nconnection with the facilities in accordance with applicable state and federal\nlaws and as approved by the Commission;\n\n9. Borrow money from any source for any valid purpose, including working capital\nfor its operations, reserve funds, or interest; mortgage, pledge, or otherwise\nencumber the property or funds of the Commission; and contract with or engage\nthe services of any person in connection with any financing, including financial\ninstitutions, issuers of letters of credit, or insurers;\n\n10. Issue bonds the principal and interest on which are payable exclusively from\nthe revenues and receipts of a specific facility in accordance with applicable\nlaws;\n\n11. Accept funds and property from the Commonwealth and other signatory\njurisdictions, persons, counties, cities, and towns and use the same for any of\nthe purposes for which the Commission is created;\n\n12. Apply for and accept grants or loans of money or other property from any\nfederal agency for any of the purposes authorized in this chapter and expend or\nuse the same in accordance with the directions and requirements attached thereto\nor imposed thereon by any such federal agency;\n\n13. Make loans or grants to, and enter into cooperative arrangements with, any\nperson, partnership, association, corporation, business or governmental entity\nin furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, for the purposes of promoting\neconomic and workforce development, provided that such loans or grants shall be\nmade only from revenues of the Commission that have not been pledged or assigned\nfor the payment of any of the Commission’s bonds, and to enter into such\ncontracts, instruments, and agreements as may be expedient to provide for such\nloans, and any security therefor. The word “revenues” as used in\nthis subdivision includes grants, loans, funds and property, as set out in\nsubdivisions 11 and 12;\n\n14. Enter into agreements with political subdivisions of the Commonwealth for\njoint or cooperative action in accordance with § 15.2-1300;\n\n15. Exercise any additional powers granted to it by subsequent legislation; and\n\n16. Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this\nchapter.\n\t\t\tArticle VI. Funding and Compensation.\n\t\t\tThe Commission may utilize for its operation and expenses (i) funds that may\nbe generated by borrowing, gifts and grants, (ii) funds appropriated to it for\nsuch purposes by the General Assembly of Virginia and the legislatures of the\nother signatory states, (iii) federal funds, and (iv) revenues collected for the\nuse of any facility approved by the Commission.\n\t\t\tMembers of the Virginia delegation to the Commission shall not receive\ncompensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses\nincurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission as provided in\n§ 2.2-2825. All such expenses shall be paid from existing appropriations,\ngifts, grants, federal funds, or other revenues collected for the use of any\nfacility approved by the Commission. Members of the Commission representing\nother signatory states shall receive compensation and reimbursement of expenses\nincurred in the performance of their duties to the Commission in accordance with\nthe applicable laws of the respective signatory states.\n\nHISTORY: 2007, cc. 941, 947.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}