Virginia Law

Public Building Authority, Virginia

A. This article may be cited as Virginia Public Building Authority Act of 1981.

B. As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Construction" or "to construct" means acquisition and construction, all in such manner as may be deemed desirable.

"Cost" means as applied to a project financed under the provisions of this article, the sum total of all costs reasonable and necessary for carrying out all works and undertakings necessary or incident to accomplish a project, including, but not limited to the cost of all necessary developmental, planning and feasibility studies, surveys, plans and specifications, architectural, engineering, financial, legal or other special services, the cost of acquisition of land and any buildings and improvements thereon, including the discharge of any obligations of the vendor of such land, buildings or improvements, site preparation and development including demolition or removal of existing structures, construction, and reconstruction, furnishing of a project, the reasonable cost of financing incurred in the course of the development of a project, carrying charges during construction to the occupancy date, interest on bonds issued to finance a project to a date subsequent to the estimated date of completion of a project, necessary expenses incurred in connection with the initial occupancy of a project, the cost of reimbursing the Central Capital Planning Fund, established under § 2.2-1520, for payments made for pre-planning or detailed planning of all projects that have been approved for construction by the General Assembly, the funding of such funds and accounts as the Authority determines to be reasonable and necessary and the cost of such other items as the Authority determines to be reasonable and necessary.

"Fixtures" and "furnishings" means any fixtures, leasehold improvements, equipment, office furniture and furnishings whatsoever necessary or desirable for the use and occupancy of such project, and the terms "to furnish" and "furnishing" means the acquisition and installation of such fixtures, equipment and furnishings.

"Improvement" or "to improve" means extension, enlargement, improvement, and renovation, all in such manner as may be deemed desirable.

"Major Employment and Investment project" or "MEI project" means a high-impact regional economic development project in which a private entity is expected to make a capital investment in real and tangible personal property exceeding $250 million and create more than 400 new full-time jobs, and is expected to have a substantial direct and indirect economic impact on surrounding communities.

"Personal property" means all items of equipment, fixtures, and furnishings, including items affixed to real property.

"Project" means any structure, facility, personal property or undertaking that the Authority is authorized to finance, refinance, construct, improve, furnish, equip, maintain, acquire, or operate under the provisions of this article.

1981, c. 569, §§ 2.1-234.10, 2.1-234.11; 1992, c. 878; 1994, c. 823; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2000, cc. 67, 279; 2001, c. 844; 2008, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1, 2; 2009, cc. 246, 311.

There is created a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to be known as the "Virginia Public Building Authority." The Authority is created for the purpose of constructing, improving, furnishing, maintaining, acquiring, financing, refinancing, and operating public buildings for the use of the Commonwealth (heretofore or hereafter constructed), state arsenals, armories, and military reserves, state institutions of every kind and character (heretofore and hereafter constructed), additions and improvements to public institutions of higher education, including land grant colleges and medical colleges, and the purchase of lands for rehabilitation purposes in connection with state institutions and for use of state colleges, and museum facilities for a trust instrumentality of the United States, and the purchase of lands for the development of public buildings that may be authorized by the General Assembly in the future, the acquisition of items of personal property for the use of the Commonwealth, the constructing, improving, maintaining, acquiring, financing, and refinancing of major information technology projects as defined in § 2.2-2006, the financing or refinancing of capital projects that benefit the Commonwealth and any of its agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities, the provision of financing on behalf of any of the Commonwealth's agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities or governments of land, buildings, infrastructure, and improvements for the benefit of an MEI project incentive package endorsed by the MEI Project Approval Commission created pursuant to § 30-309, and the financing or refinancing of reimbursements to localities or governmental entities of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs for capital projects made pursuant to other applicable provisions of Virginia law, and the refinancing of (i) obligations issued by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth or (ii) the Commonwealth's obligations under such leases or payment agreements, the purpose and intent of this article being to benefit the people of the Commonwealth by, among other things, increasing their commerce and prosperity.

The Authority shall be comprised of the State Treasurer or his designee, the State Comptroller, and five additional members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Unconfirmed appointments shall expire 30 days after the convening of the General Assembly. Members of the Authority shall be entitled to no compensation for their services as members, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825. The term of each member appointed by the Governor shall be five years.

Vacancies in the membership of the Authority shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The Governor shall designate one member of the Authority as chairman who shall serve a two-year term. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms as chairman. The Department of the Treasury shall serve as staff to the Authority.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.12; 1995, c. 841; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542; 2003, cc. 981, 1021; 2009, cc. 246, 311; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

The powers of the Authority shall be exercised by a governing body consisting of the members of the Authority acting as a board. The Board shall elect from its membership a vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined. The Board may elect such other officers who need not be a member of the Board.

Four members shall constitute a quorum of the Board for the purpose of organizing the Authority, conducting its business, and for all other purposes. All actions shall be taken by vote of a majority of the members of the Board, unless Authority bylaws require a larger number.

The Board shall have full authority to manage the properties and business of the Authority, and to prescribe, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which the business of the Authority may be conducted, and the powers granted to it may be exercised. The Board may assign to the Treasury Board or the State Treasurer such powers and duties as it deems proper.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.25; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for carrying out its purposes, including, but not limited to, the following powers to:

1. Have perpetual existence as a corporation.

2. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts.

3. Adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

4. Acquire, purchase, hold and use any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority; lease as lessee, with the approval of the Governor, any property, real, personal or mixed, or any interest therein for a term not exceeding 99 years at a nominal rental or at such annual rental as may be determined; with the approval of the Governor, lease as lessor to the Commonwealth and any city, county, town or other political subdivision, or any agency, department, or public body of the Commonwealth, or land grant college, any project at any time constructed by the Authority and any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed; with the approval of the Governor, sell, transfer and convey to the Commonwealth, any project at any time constructed by the Authority; and, with the approval of the Governor, sell, transfer and convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority.

5. Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise, and construct, improve, furnish, maintain, repair, and operate projects.

6. Adopt bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs.

7. Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, and other charges for the use of the facilities of, or for the services rendered by, the Authority, or projects thereof, at reasonable rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority, the construction, improvement, repair, furnishing, maintenance, and operation of its facilities and properties, the payment of the principal of and interest on its bonds, and to fulfill the terms and provisions of any agreements made with the purchasers or holders of any such bonds.

8. Borrow money; make and issue bonds of the Authority and such bonds as the Authority may determine to issue for the purpose of refunding obligations previously issued by the Authority; secure the payment of all bonds, or any part thereof, by pledge or deed of trust of all or any of its revenues, rentals, and receipts; make such agreements with the purchasers or holders of such bonds or with others in connection with any such bonds, whether issued or to be issued, as the Authority deems advisable; and in general, provide for the security for the bonds and the rights of holders thereof.

The Authority shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year containing, at a minimum, the annual financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the preceding June 30.

9. Make contracts of every name and nature, and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient to carry out its business.

10. Borrow money and accept grants from, and enter into contracts, leases or other transactions with, any federal agency.

11. Have the power of eminent domain.

12. Pledge or otherwise encumber all or any of the revenues or receipts of the Authority as security for all or any of the bonds of the Authority.

13. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law.

14. Acquire, by assignment from the Commonwealth or the Virginia Retirement System, all contracts, including those that are not completed, which involve constructing, improving, furnishing, maintaining, and operating the structures, facilities, or undertakings similar to those designated herein as projects.

15. Enter into contractual agreements with localities or governmental entities undertaking a capital project that benefits the Commonwealth for which the financing or refinancing of reimbursements of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs of such project will be made pursuant to other applicable provisions of Virginia law.

16. Provide for the financing or assist in the financing by any of the Commonwealth's agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities or governments of land, buildings, infrastructure, and improvements for the benefit of an MEI project incentive package endorsed by the MEI Project Approval Commission created pursuant to § 30-309.

B. The Authority shall not undertake or finance or refinance any projects or MEI projects that are not specifically included in a bill or resolution passed by a majority of those elected to each house of the General Assembly, authorizing such projects or MEI projects or the reimbursement of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs of such projects or MEI projects and, as to any project relating to a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, not specifically designated by the governing board of that institution as a project to be undertaken by the Authority.

C. Except as otherwise provided by law, when projects are to be constructed, improved, furnished, maintained, repaired or operated for the use of any department of the Commonwealth, no plans or specifications therefor shall be presented for quotations or bids until the plans and specifications have been submitted to and approved by the Department of General Services and any other department of the Commonwealth having any jurisdiction over the projects, so that the project will conform to standards established by such departments.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.13; 1984, c. 734; 1985, c. 146; 1987, cc. 11, 616; 1988, cc. 23, 731, 761, 830; 1990, cc. 815, 876; 1991, c. 656; 1992, c. 878; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1994, c. 823; 1995, c. 841; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2000, cc. 67, 279; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542; 2004, c. 650; 2009, cc. 246, 311.

The Authority may, with the consent of the Governor, provide for the issuance of revenue bonds of the Authority for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of any one or more projects or portions thereof. The principal of and the interest on such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided in this article for such payment. Any bonds of the Authority issued pursuant to this article shall not constitute a debt of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof other than the Authority, and shall so state on their face. Neither the members of the Authority nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally by reason of the issuance thereof. The bonds of each issue shall be dated, shall bear interest, shall mature at such time not exceeding forty years from their date as determined by the Authority, and may be made redeemable before maturity, at the option of the Authority, at such price and under such terms and conditions as determined by the Authority, prior to the issuance of the bonds. The Authority shall determine the form and the manner of execution of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached thereto, and shall fix the denominations of the bonds and the places of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of the bonds, such signature or such facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he had remained in office until such delivery. The bonds may be issued in coupon or in registered form or both, as the Authority may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bonds as to principal alone and also as to both principal and interest, for the reconversion into coupon bonds of any bonds registered as to both principal and interest, and for the interchange of registered and coupon bonds. The Authority may sell such bonds in a manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as it determines will best effect the purposes of this article.

The proceeds of the bonds of each issue shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the projects for which such bonds shall have been issued, and shall be disbursed in the manner and under the restrictions, if any, the Authority may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue, by error of estimates or otherwise, is less than the cost, additional bonds may be issued to provide the amount of such deficit, and, unless otherwise provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, shall be deemed to be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the bonds first issued. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue shall exceed such cost, the surplus shall be deposited to the credit of the sinking fund for such bonds, or may be applied to the payment of the cost of any additional projects.

Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the Authority may, under like restrictions issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds shall have been executed and are available for delivery. The Authority may also provide for the replacement of any bonds that shall become mutilated or shall be destroyed or lost. Bonds may be issued under the provisions of this article without obtaining the consent of any department, division, commission, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth, and without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things than those proceedings, conditions or things that are specifically required by this article.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.14; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

In the discretion of the Authority any bonds issued under the provisions of this article may be secured by a trust agreement by and between the Authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may pledge or assign the revenues to be received, but shall not convey or mortgage any project or any part thereof. The trust agreement or resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the Authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the acquisition, construction, establishment, improvement, extension, enlargement, maintenance, repair, operation and insurance of the project in connection with which the bonds have been authorized, the rates and fees to be charged, the custody, safeguarding and application of all moneys, and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth which may act as depository of the proceeds of bonds or of revenues to furnish the indemnifying bonds or to pledge the securities required by the Authority. Any such trust agreement may set forth the rights of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, any such trust agreement or resolution may contain such other provisions as the Authority deems reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of a trust agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the cost of the operation of the project.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.15; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may fix, revise, charge, and collect rates, fees, and other charges for the financing or refinancing of, the use of or for the services and facilities furnished by each project and the different parts thereof, and to contract with any agency, commission, political subdivision or other entity desiring the use of any part thereof, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents, and rates of charges for such use or financing or refinancing. Such rates, fees, and other charges shall be fixed and adjusted so that revenues of the Authority, together with any other available funds, will be sufficient at all times to pay (i) the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating such project and (ii) the principal of and the interest on the related bonds as they become due and payable, and to create reserves for such purposes. Such rates, fees, and other charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any other commission, board, bureau, or agency of the Commonwealth. The revenues derived from the project in connection with which the bonds have been issued, except such part thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost of maintenance, repair and operation and to provide such reserves therefor as may be provided for in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement in a sinking fund which is pledged to, and charged with, the payment of the principal of and the interest on such bonds as they become due, and the redemption price or the purchase price of bonds retired by call or purchase as therein provided. Such pledge shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made, the revenues or other moneys so pledged and thereafter received by the Authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the Authority, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any trust agreement by which a pledge is created need be filed or recorded except in the records of the Authority. The use and disposition of moneys to the credit of such sinking fund shall be subject to the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or of the trust agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in the resolution or trust agreement, such sinking fund shall be a fund for all such bonds without distinction or priority of one over another.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.16; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this article, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this article. The resolution authorizing the bonds of any issue or the trust agreement securing the bonds shall provide that any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which, such moneys are deposited shall act as a trustee of the moneys and shall hold and apply the same for the purposes hereof, subject to the regulations as this article and the resolution or trust agreement may provide.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.17; 2001, c. 844.

Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this article or any of the coupons appertaining thereto, and the trustee under any trust agreement, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by the trust agreement or the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the Commonwealth or granted hereunder or under the trust agreement or resolution, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this article or by the trust agreement or resolution to be performed by the Authority or by any officer thereof, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of rates, fees, and other charges.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.18; 2001, c. 844.

Bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this article shall be securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Such bonds shall be securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the Commonwealth is now or may be authorized by law.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.19; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may provide for the issuance of revenue refunding bonds of the Authority for the purpose of refunding any obligations then outstanding which have been issued under the provisions of this article or by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of the obligations, and, if deemed advisable by the Authority, for the additional purpose of constructing improvements, extensions, or enlargements of the project in connection with which the obligations to be refunded have been issued. The Authority may provide by resolution for the issuance of its revenue obligations for the combined purpose of (i) refunding any obligations then outstanding that have been issued under the provisions of this article or by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such obligations, and (ii) paying all or any part of the cost of any additional project or any portion thereof. The issuance of the bonds, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties and obligations of the Authority shall be governed by the provisions of this article insofar as they may be applicable.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.20; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542.

The Authority may accept, receive, receipt for, disburse, and expend federal and state moneys and other moneys, public or private, including proceeds of the Authority's bonds, made available by grant or loan or both, to accomplish, in whole or in part, any of the purposes of this article. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.23; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts, and each of such special accounts shall be continuously secured by a pledge of direct obligations of the United States or of the Commonwealth, having an aggregate market value, exclusive of accrued interest, at all times at least equal to the balance on deposit in such account. Such securities shall either be deposited with the treasurer or be held by a trustee or agent satisfactory to the Authority. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other order of the treasurer of the Authority, or of such other persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.

The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives may examine the accounts and books of the Authority, including its receipts, disbursements, contracts, leases, sinking funds, investments, and any other matters relating to its finances, operation and affairs.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.26; 2001, c. 844.

A. In connection with the operation of a facility owned or controlled by the Authority, the Authority may enter into contracts, leases, and other arrangements with any person (i) granting the privilege of using or improving the facility or any portion or facility thereof or space therein consistent with the purposes of this article; (ii) conferring the privilege of supplying goods, commodities, things, services, or facilities at the facility; (iii) making available services to be furnished by the Authority or its agents at the facility; and (iv) providing for the payment therefor.

In each case the Authority may establish the terms and conditions and fix the charges, rentals, or fee for the privilege or service, which shall be reasonable and uniform for the same class of privilege or service at each facility and shall be established with due regard to the property and improvements used and the expenses of operation to the Authority.

B. Except as may be limited by the terms and conditions of any grant, loan or agreement authorized by § 2.2-2271, the Authority may by contract, lease, or other arrangements, upon a consideration fixed by it, grant to any qualified person, for a term not to exceed thirty years, the privilege of operating, as agent of the Authority or otherwise, any facility owned or controlled by the Authority; provided that no person shall be granted any authority to operate a facility other than as a public facility or to enter into any contracts, leases, or other arrangements in connection with the operation of the facility that the Authority might not have undertaken under subsection A.

C. In connection with a project leased to or financed or refinanced for a trust instrumentality of the United States where payments or contributions by the Commonwealth and any political subdivision, together with amounts pursuant to an agreement with such trust instrumentality to pay rent or other amounts, are sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Authority's bonds issued to finance or refinance such project, the Authority may agree that such trust instrumentality shall assume all responsibility for the acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the project and may further agree that when the principal of all such bonds of the Authority and the interest thereon have been paid in full or provision made therefor satisfactory to the Authority, the trust instrumentality may acquire the Authority's interest in such project without payment of additional consideration.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.21; 1990, c. 815; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may adopt, amend, and repeal such reasonable resolutions, rules, regulations, and orders as it deems necessary for the management, government, and use of any facility owned by it or under its control. No rule, regulation, order, or standard prescribed by the Authority shall be inconsistent with, or contrary to, any law of the Commonwealth or act of the Congress of the United States or any regulation adopted or standard established pursuant thereto. The Authority shall keep on file at the principal office of the Authority for public inspection a copy of all its rules and regulations.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.22; 2001, c. 844.

If any project or any portion thereof or any improvement thereof shall be constructed, or furnished pursuant to a contract and the estimated cost thereof exceeds $10,000, such contract with the Authority shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after advertisement for bids. The Authority may make rules and regulations for the submission of bids and the construction, furnishing, or improvement of any project or portion thereof to be owned by the Authority, the Commonwealth or any agency, institution, or department thereof. No contract shall be entered into by the Authority for construction, furnishing, or improvement of any project, or portion thereof, or for the purchase of materials, unless the contractor gives an undertaking with a sufficient surety approved by the Authority, and in an amount fixed by the Authority in accordance with § 2.2-4337, for the faithful performance of the contract. Such contract shall be accompanied by an additional bond for the protection of those who furnish labor and material or rental equipment for such amount and subject to the same terms and conditions as established by the Authority in accordance with § 2.2-4337. All construction contracts shall provide, among other things, that the person or corporation entering into such contract with the Authority will pay for all materials furnished, rental equipment used and services rendered for the performance of the contract, and that any person or corporation furnishing such materials, rental equipment or rendering such services may maintain an action to recover for the same against the obligor in the undertaking as though such person or corporation was named therein, provided the action is brought within one year after the time the cause of action accrued. The additional bond shall be conditioned upon the prompt payment of actual equipment rentals and shall not be conditioned upon or guarantee payment of equipment rentals, all or any part of which, directly or indirectly, apply on the purchase price of such equipment under the terms of a bailment lease or conditional sales contract or by any other arrangement by which title to the equipment will be transferred to the contractor and the rentals form any part of the consideration.

Subject to the foregoing, the Authority may, but without intending by this provision to limit any powers of the Authority, enter into and carry out such contracts, or establish or comply with such rules and regulations concerning labor and materials to rental equipment and other related matters in connection with any project, or portion thereof, as the Authority deems desirable.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.27; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority is vested with the power of eminent domain and may exercise it for the purposes set forth in this article. If the owner, lessee, or occupier of any property to be condemned or otherwise acquired refuses to remove his property therefrom or give up possession, the Authority may proceed to obtain possession in any manner provided by law.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.28; 2001, c. 844.

The Circuit Court of the City of Richmond shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any suit brought in Virginia against the Authority, and process in any such suit shall be served either on the State Treasurer or the chairman of the Authority.

1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-234.28:1; 2001, c. 844.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and as the operation and maintenance of projects by the Authority constitutes the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, and any bonds issued under the provisions of this article, their transfer and the income therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof), shall at all times be free from taxation within the Commonwealth. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of a facility businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.24; 2001, c. 844.