W. Va. Code § 29-27-1
The West Virginia Legislature finds that there is a significant need for a public body to promote and enhance historic preservation, tourism and economic development activities that relate to the state's history as a coal producing state within the counties of Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, Kanawha, Marion, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne and Wyoming.
The Legislature further finds that the creation and empowering of a statutory corporation to work with the landowners, county officials and community leaders, state and federal government agencies, and other interested parties to enable and facilitate the development of the national coal heritage area will greatly assist in the realization of these potential benefits.
W. Va. Code § 29-27-1