W. Va. Code R. § 82-8-3
Public records created, filed, and stored under the auspices of county and municipal government offices, officers and officials have reached an age and volume challenging those charged with responsibility for their preservation and access. Records custodians lack adequate funds to provide for proper storage conditions, providing for the security of unique records and information required for governmental operations and citizen needs. They lack office and storage areas meeting minimum environmental requirements for paper, audio, film, tape, and electronic records. Many, charged with responsibility for records over 150 to 200 years old, have not had the resources and staff to provide the attention the records require. Most are also confronted with buildings which were not designed so as to provide adequate and proper storage space and environments. These problems have been compounded by the absence of training for staff in records management administration, changing records technologies and preservation techniques and formats for public records.
This records preservation grant program addresses these needs by providing for matching grants to county and municipal governments so as to provide for preservation of the record and continued public access to the information recorded in a systematic manner. The program seeks uniformity in records management, preservation, reformatting and access, utilizing the most efficient and cost effective applications, and applying best practices and standards available.
W. Va. Code R. § 82-8-3