Code of Virginia Code - Chapter 10. Virginia Port Authority

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Code of Virginia
Title 62.1. Waters of the State, Ports and Harbors
Subtitle .
Chapter 10. Virginia Port Authority

11/22/2024

Chapter 10. Virginia Port Authority.

§ 62.1-128. Authority created.

The Virginia Port Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority, is created as a body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority is hereby constituted a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the Authority of the powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 62-106.1; 1952, c. 61; 1954, c. 667; 1958, c. 174; 1968, c. 659; 1970, c. 171; 1981, c. 589; 1997, c. 232.

§ 62.1-129. Board of Commissioners; members and officers; Executive Director; agents and employees.

A. All powers, rights, and duties conferred by this chapter, or other provisions of law, upon the Authority shall be exercised by the Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Port Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Board or Board of Commissioners. The Board shall consist of the State Treasurer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia International Trade Corporation, and 11 members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The terms of members of the Board of Commissioners appointed or reappointed by the Governor on or after January 1, 1981, shall be for five years. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. Members of the Board shall receive their expenses and shall be compensated at the rate provided in § 2.2-2813 for each day spent on business of the Board. No member appointed by the Governor shall be eligible to serve more than two successive terms. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms. Beginning with those members of the Board of Commissioners appointed or reappointed by the Governor on or after January 1, 1981: (i) appointments shall be made by the Governor in such a manner as to ensure the widest possible geographical representation of all parts of the Commonwealth, and (ii) no resident of the Cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, or Virginia Beach shall be eligible for appointment or reappointment to the Board of Commissioners if his appointment or reappointment would increase or maintain the number of members of the Board of Commissioners residing in such cities above the number of five. One of the members appointed or reappointed from the cities previously mentioned in this section shall be a resident of the City of Portsmouth or the City of Chesapeake, one of the members appointed or reappointed shall be a resident of the City of Norfolk or the City of Virginia Beach, one of the members appointed or reappointed shall be a resident of the City of Newport News or the City of Hampton, one of the members appointed or reappointed shall be a resident of Greater Hampton Roads, and one of the members appointed or reappointed shall be a resident of Greater Hampton Roads, but not a resident of any of the above-mentioned cities. Additionally, one member shall be appointed from the City of Richmond or the County of Chesterfield, Hanover, or Henrico to serve as a member representing the Port of Richmond, and one member shall be appointed from the City of Winchester or the County of Clarke, Frederick, or Warren to serve as a member representing the Virginia Inland Port. Of the members appointed by the Governor, all members shall have executive level experience in any of the following industries: agriculture, distribution and warehousing, manufacturing, logistics and transportation, mining, marketing, legal, financial, or transportation infrastructure. In addition, the Governor shall appoint at least one member with maritime shipping experience from a list of at least three nominees provided by the Virginia Maritime Association, who shall not be a paid member of the Virginia Maritime Association or have any other conflict of interest with the Virginia Port Authority.

The Board shall elect from its membership a chairman and vice-chairman and may also elect from its membership, or appoint from its staff, a secretary and treasurer and prescribe their powers and duties.

The Board of Commissioners shall appoint the chief executive officer of the Authority, who shall not be a member of the Board, who shall be known as the Executive Director and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Executive Director's compensation from the Commonwealth shall be fixed by the Board in accordance with law. This compensation shall be established at a level which will enable the Authority to attract and retain a capable Executive Director.

The Board may also appoint from the staff an assistant secretary and an assistant treasurer, who shall, in addition to other duties, discharge such functions of the secretary and treasurer, respectively, as may be directed by the Board.

B. The Board may, at its discretion and from time to time, also form a Maritime Advisory Council, consisting of representatives from the maritime industry, to provide advice and counsel to the Board of Commissioners on all matters associated with the Authority with the exception of the annual budget and personnel matters.

Code 1950, § 62-106.2; 1952, c. 61; 1954, c. 667; 1956, c. 207; 1958, c. 174; 1968, c. 659; 1970, c. 171; 1978, c. 655; 1980, c. 728; 1981, c. 589; 1983, cc. 218, 298, 338; 1987, c. 688; 2012, cc. 846, 849; 2013, cc. 762, 794; 2014, c. 424; 2016, c. 749; 2017, cc. 801, 818.

§ 62.1-129.1. Employees; employment; personnel rules; health insurance; retirement plans.

A. Employees of the Authority shall be employed on such terms and conditions as established by the Authority. The Board of Commissioners of the Authority shall develop and adopt personnel rules, policies, and procedures to give its employees grievance rights, ensure that employment decisions shall be based upon the merit and fitness of applicants, and prohibit discrimination because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

B. The Authority shall issue a written notice to its employees regarding the Authority's status. The date upon which such written notice is issued shall be referred to herein as the "option date." Each employee may, by written request made within 180 days of the option date, elect not to become employed by the Authority. Any employee of the Virginia Port Authority who: (i) elects not to become employed by the Authority and who is not reemployed by any other department, institution, board, commission or agency of the Commonwealth; (ii) is not offered the opportunity to remain employed by the Authority; or (iii) is not offered a position with the Authority for which the employee is qualified or is offered a position that requires relocation or a reduction in salary, shall be eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the provisions of the Workforce Transition Act (§ 2.2-3200 et seq.). Any employee who accepts employment with the Authority shall not be considered to be involuntarily separated from state employment and shall not be eligible for the severance benefits conferred by the Workforce Transition Act.

C. Any employee of the Authority who is a member of any plan providing health insurance coverage pursuant to Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) of Title 2.2, shall continue to be a member of such health insurance plan under the same terms and conditions. Notwithstanding subsection A of § 2.2-2818, the costs of providing health insurance coverage to such employees who elect to continue to be members of the state employees' health insurance plan shall be paid by the Authority. Alternatively, an employee may elect to become a member of any health insurance plan established by the Authority. The Authority is authorized to: (i) establish a health insurance plan for the benefit of its employees and (ii) enter into agreements with the Department of Human Resource Management providing for the coverage of its employees under the state employees' health insurance plan, provided that such agreement requires the Authority to pay the costs of providing health insurance coverage under such plan.

D. Any retired employee of the Authority shall be eligible to receive the health insurance credit set forth in § 51.1-1400 provided the retired employee meets the eligibility criteria set forth in that section.

E. Any Authority employee who is a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1, shall continue to be a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other authorized retirement plan under the same terms and conditions. Alternatively, such employee may elect to become a member of the retirement program established by the Authority for the benefit of its employees pursuant to § 51.1-126.4. The following rules shall apply:

1. The Authority shall collect and pay all employee and employer contributions to the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan for retirement and group life insurance in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 for any employee who elects to remain a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan.

2. Employees who elect to become members of the alternative retirement plan established by the Authority pursuant to § 51.1-126.4 shall be given full credit for their creditable service as defined in § 51.1-124.3, and vesting and benefit accrual under the retirement plan. For any such employee, employment with the Authority shall be treated as employment with any nonparticipating employer for purposes of the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan authorized pursuant to Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1.

3. For employees who elect to become members of the alternative retirement plan established by the Authority, the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized plan shall transfer to the alternative retirement plan established by the Authority, assets equal to the actuarially determined present value of the accrued basic benefits as of the transfer date. For purposes hereof, the "basic benefits" means the benefits accrued under the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan based on creditable service and average final compensation as defined in § 51.1-124.3. The actuarial present value shall be determined by using the same actuarial factors and assumptions used in determining the funding needs of the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan so that the transfer of assets to the alternative retirement plan established by the Authority will have no effect on the funded status and financial stability of the Virginia Retirement System or other such authorized retirement plan. The Authority shall reimburse the Virginia Retirement System for the cost of actuarial services necessary to determine the present value of the accrued basic benefit of employees who transfer to an Authority retirement plan.

4. The Authority may provide that employees of the Authority who are eligible to participate in the deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Authority shall be enrolled automatically in such plan, unless such employee elects, in a manner prescribed by the Board, not to participate. The amount of the deferral under the automatic enrollment and the group of employees to which the automatic enrollment shall apply shall be set by the Board; provided however, that such employees are provided the opportunity to increase or decrease the amount of the deferral in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

1997, c. 232; 2000, cc. 66, 657; 2008, cc. 325, 621; 2020, c. 1137.

§ 62.1-129.2. Trust for postemployment benefits authorized; administration.

A. The Authority is hereby authorized to establish and maintain a trust or equivalent arrangement for the purpose of accumulating and investing assets to fund postemployment benefits other than pensions, as defined herein. Such trust or equivalent arrangement shall be irrevocable; the assets of such trust or similar arrangement shall be dedicated to providing benefits to retirees and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the plan or programs providing postemployment benefits other than pensions; and the assets of such trust or equivalent arrangement shall be exempt from taxation and execution, attachment, garnishment or any other process against the Authority or a retiree or beneficiary. The funds of the trust or similar arrangement shall be deemed separate, and independent trust funds shall be segregated from all other funds of the Authority, and shall be invested and administered solely in the interests of the active or former employees (and their dependents or beneficiaries) entitled to postemployment benefits other than pensions covered by the Fund.

B. The Authority may make appropriations to any such trust or equivalent arrangement, and the Authority may require active and former employees covered by a postemployment benefit program to contribute to the trust or equivalent arrangement through payments or deductions from their wages, salaries, or pensions.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to inhibit the Authority's right to revise or discontinue its plans or programs providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for its active and former officers and employees as it may deem necessary. If all plans or programs providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for which the trust or equivalent arrangement is established are repealed or terminated by the Authority, then there shall be no continuing responsibility for the Authority to continue to make appropriations to such trust or equivalent arrangement, and the assets of such trust or equivalent arrangement shall be used to provide any benefits continuing to be due to active or former employees (and their dependents or beneficiaries) under such plans or programs. If there are no active or former employees (or dependents or beneficiaries) due a benefit under any plan or program providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for which the trust or equivalent arrangement was established, then any remaining assets may revert to the Authority.

D. Postemployment benefits other than pensions shall be defined by the Authority pursuant to applicable accounting standards and law. Such benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, hearing, life or accident insurance (not provided through a pension plan), long-term care benefits, long-term disability benefits (not covered under a pension plan) provided to individuals who have terminated their service and to the dependents of such individuals, and may be provided by purchasing insurance, by a program of self-insurance, or by a combination of both. However, postemployment benefits other than pensions shall not include defined benefit pension plans for retirees and eligible dependents of retirees, termination benefits or other pension benefits. Such postemployment benefits other than pensions may be provided to the officers and employees or to their dependents, estates, or designated beneficiaries. Any benefits arising from any postemployment benefits other than pension programs shall be clearly defined and strictly construed.

E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the moneys and other property comprising the trust or equivalent arrangement established hereunder and the moneys or other properties comprising the retirement program established pursuant to § 51.1-126.4 shall be invested, reinvested and managed by the Authority or the trust company or bank having powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth who is selected by the Board to act as a trustee for the fund, with the care, skill, prudence and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with the same aims. Such investments shall be diversified so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. Such investments shall not be limited by Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

2008, cc. 597, 622.

§ 62.1-130. Powers and duties of Executive Director.

The Executive Director shall employ or retain such other agents or employees subordinate to the Executive Director as may be necessary, subject to the Board's approval. The Executive Director shall also exercise such of the powers and duties relating to ports conferred upon the Board as may be delegated to him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The Executive Director shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him, and such powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

Code 1950, § 62-106.3; 1952, c. 61; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659; 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-131. Office and branch offices; title to property.

The Authority shall, in the Hampton Roads Area, have and maintain its principal office, at which all of its records shall be kept, and from which its business shall be transacted. It may, if necessary, establish a branch office or offices within or without the Commonwealth or the United States. The title to all property of every kind belonging to the former Hampton Roads Port Commission or the former State Port Authority of Virginia or the former Division of Ports Department of Conservation and Development, shall be vested in the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Virginia Port Authority.

Code 1950, § 62-106.4; 1952, c. 61; 1958, c. 174; 1968, c. 659; 1970, c. 171; 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132. Local authorities subordinate to Authority.

Any conflict between any authority granted to the several port cities and towns or other entities of this Commonwealth, or the exercise of that authority, and the exercise of the authority granted to the Board of Commissioners under this chapter shall be resolved in favor of the exercise of such authority by the Board of Commissioners.

Code 1950, § 62-106.6; 1952, c. 61; 1968, c. 659; 1970, c. 171; 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.1. General powers.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, the Authority is vested with the powers of a body corporate, including, without limitation, to:

1. Sue and be sued;

2. Make contracts;

3. Adopt and use a common seal, and alter such seal at its pleasure;

4. Procure insurance, participate in insurance plans, and provide self-insurance. The purchase of insurance, participation in an insurance plan, or the creation of a self-insurance plan by the Authority shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of any sovereign immunity to which the Authority or its officers, directors, employees, or agents are otherwise entitled;

5. Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services and construction based on competitive principles; and

6. Exercise all the powers that are conferred upon industrial development authorities created pursuant to Chapter 49 (§ 15.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 15.2, except that the power to effect a change in ownership or operation of the Port of Virginia shall be subject to the provisions of § 62.1-132.19.

B. Expenditures by the Authority for capital projects are restricted to projects located on real property that is owned, leased, or operated by the Virginia Port Authority, except those expenditures (i) as provided in § 62.1-132.13 or 62.1-132.14, (ii) on grants to local government for financial assistance for port facilities as approved by the Board in policies posted on the Authority's website, or (iii) to provide support for the types of projects eligible for funding under subsection A of § 33.2-1509, subsection A of § 33.2-1600, or § 33.2-1526.4.

1981, c. 589; 1997, c. 232; 2013, cc. 762, 794; 2015, c. 609; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

§ 62.1-132.2. Bylaws and organization.

The Authority shall have the power to adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed. Such bylaws, rules, and regulations may provide for such committees and their functions as the Authority may deem necessary or expedient.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.3. Stimulation of commerce.

It shall be the duty of the Authority, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to foster and stimulate the commerce of the ports of the Commonwealth and related facilities by serving as the United States Eastern Seaboard gateway for the global import and export of freight throughout the world, to promote the shipment of freight through the maritime and inland ports, to seek to secure necessary improvements of navigable tidal waters within the Commonwealth, and in general to perform any act or function that may be useful in developing, improving, or increasing the commerce, both foreign and domestic, of all maritime and inland ports of the Commonwealth and related facilities.

1981, c. 589; 2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-132.3:1. Port Opportunity Fund.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund that is a subfund of the Commonwealth Port Fund, known as the Port Opportunity Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority or his designee. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes enumerated in subsection C.

B. If the Authority's revenues from terminal operations during a fiscal year exceed its terminal operating expenditures for that year by at least five percent, the Authority shall request that the Treasurer transfer to the Port Opportunity Fund an amount of up to five percent of that year's revenues from terminal operations, not to exceed $2 million, unless the Secretary of Transportation determines that such a transfer is not in the long-term interest of the Authority. Such determination shall be made in writing by the Secretary of Transportation to the Executive Director of the Authority. Requests to transfer such revenues shall be made by August 30 of the ensuing fiscal year.

C. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to fund the development and implementation of a national and international marketing program and to provide incentives, as prescribed by the Board of Commissioners, for expanding the use of Virginia Port Authority facilities for the import and export of containerized and noncontainerized cargoes.

D. The Authority shall develop, and the Board of Commissioners approve, guidelines governing the use of incentives that comply with applicable Virginia laws.

2012, cc. 846, 849; 2016, c. 714.

§ 62.1-132.3:2. Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Fund and Program.

A. From such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources, and any funds transferred at the request of the Executive Director from the Port Opportunity Fund created pursuant to § 62.1-132.3:1, there is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting, permanent fund to be known as the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Fund (the Fund), to be administered by the Virginia Port Authority. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Any moneys remaining in the Fund at the end of each fiscal year, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which shall be in the form of grants, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of grants to qualified applicants to the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program.

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

"New, permanent full-time position" means a job of an indefinite duration, created by a qualified company as a result of operations within the Commonwealth, requiring a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the entire normal year of the company's operations, which normal year shall consist of at least 48 weeks, or a position of indefinite duration that requires a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the portion of the taxable year in which the employee was initially hired for the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. "New, permanent full-time position" includes security positions as required within a foreign trade zone, established pursuant to Foreign Trade Zones Act of 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. §§ 81a through 81u). "New, permanent full-time position" does not include seasonal or temporary positions, jobs created when a position is shifted from an existing location in the Commonwealth to the qualified company's new or expanded location, or positions in building and grounds maintenance or other positions that are ancillary to the principal activities performed by the employees at the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth.

"Qualified full-time employee" means an employee filling a new, permanent full-time position in the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. A "qualified full-time employee" does not include an employee (i) for whom a tax credit was previously earned pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or by a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code; (ii) who was previously employed in the same job function at an existing location in the Commonwealth by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (iii) whose job function was previously performed at a different location in the Commonwealth by an employee of a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

C. Beginning January 1, 2014, but not later than December 31, 2024, and subject to appropriation, any qualified company that locates or expands a facility within the Commonwealth shall be eligible to apply for a one-time grant from the Fund, in an amount determined as follows:

1. One thousand dollars per new, permanent full-time position if the qualified company creates at least 25 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs;

2. Fifteen hundred dollars per new, permanent full-time position if the qualified company creates at least 50 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs;

3. Two thousand dollars per new, permanent full-time position if the qualified company creates at least 75 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs; and

4. Three thousand dollars per new, permanent full-time position if the qualified company creates at least 100 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs.

D. The maximum amount of grant allowable per qualified company in any given fiscal year is $500,000. The maximum amount of grants allowable among all qualified companies in any given fiscal year is $5 million.

E. To qualify for a grant pursuant to this section, a qualified company must apply for the grant not later than March 31 in the year immediately following the location or expansion of a facility within the Commonwealth pursuant to an application process developed by the Virginia Port Authority. Within 90 days after the filing deadline, the Executive Director shall certify to the Comptroller and the qualified company the amount of grant to which the qualified company is entitled under this section. Payment of each grant shall be made by check issued by the State Treasurer on warrant of the Comptroller within 60 days of such certification and in the order that each completed eligible application is received. In the event that the amount of eligible grants requested in a fiscal year exceeds the funds available in the Fund or $5 million, such grants shall be paid in the next fiscal year in which funds are available.

F. A qualified company that has received a grant in accordance with the requirements provided in this section shall be eligible for a second grant from the Fund if it (i) locates or expands an additional facility in a separate location, as determined by the Virginia Port Authority, within the Commonwealth; (ii) creates at least 300 new, permanent full-time positions at the additional facility over and above those agreed upon in the qualified company's original memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Port Authority; and (iii) increases cargo volumes through the Port of Virginia by at least five percent, not including any volume increase resulting from the original grant, from the additional facility. If the qualified company satisfies the requirements provided in this subsection and receives a grant consistent with the requirements of this section, then the qualified company shall enter into another separate memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Port Authority as provided in subsection G.

G. Prior to receipt of a grant, the qualified company shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Port Authority establishing the requirements for maintaining the number of new, permanent full-time positions for qualified employees at the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. If the number of new, permanent full-time positions for any of the three years immediately following receipt of a grant falls below the number of new, permanent full-time positions created during the year for which the grant is claimed, the amount of the grant must be recalculated using the decreased number of new, permanent full-time positions and the qualified company shall repay the difference.

H. No qualified company shall apply for a grant nor shall one be awarded under this section to an otherwise qualified company if (i) a credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 is claimed for the same employees or for capital expenditures at the same facility by the qualified company, by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) the qualified company was a party to a reorganization as defined in § 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, and any corporation involved in the reorganization as defined in § 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code previously received a grant under this section for the same facility or operations.

I. The Virginia Port Authority, with the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, shall develop guidelines establishing procedures and requirements for qualifying for the grant, including the affirmative determination that each applicant is a qualified company, as defined above, engaged in a port-related business. The guidelines shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). For the purposes of administering this grant program, the Virginia Port Authority and the Department of Taxation shall exchange information regarding whether a qualified company, a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code has claimed a credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 for the same employees or for capital expenditures at the same facility.

2012, Sp. Sess. I, c. 3; 2013, cc. 549, 806; 2014, c. 470; 2015, c. 246; 2019, c. 565; 2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.3:2.1. Port of Virginia Economic Development Grant Program and Fund.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Port of Virginia Economic Development Grant Fund (the Fund), to be administered by the Virginia Port Authority. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of providing grants to qualified applicants to the Program. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which shall be in the form of grants, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director.

B. There is hereby created the Port of Virginia Economic Development Grant Program (the Program). The Program shall consist of the following component programs:

1. The Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program established by § 62.1-132.3:2.2.

2. The International Trade Facility Grant Program established by § 62.1-132.3:2.3.

C. 1. Except as provided in subdivision 3, for the Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program, the maximum amount of grants allowable among all qualified companies, as that term is defined in § 62.1-132.3:2.2, in any fiscal year shall be $5 million plus any amounts carried over from a prior fiscal year.

2. Except as provided in subdivision 3, for the International Trade Facility Grant Program, the maximum amount of grants allowable among all international trade facilities, as that term is defined in § 62.1-132.3:2.3, in any fiscal year shall be $1.25 million plus any amounts carried over from a prior fiscal year.

3. In the event that the amount of grants claimed for either of the programs described in subdivision 1 or 2 in any fiscal year is less than the maximum allowable amount, the excess amount may (i) be used to provide grants by the other program if that program is oversubscribed or (ii) be carried over to the next fiscal year.

2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.3:2.2. Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program.

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Fund" means the Port of Virginia Economic Development Grant Fund established by § 62.1-132.3:2.1.

"New, permanent full-time position" means a job of an indefinite duration, created by a qualified company as a result of operations within the Commonwealth, requiring a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the entire normal year of the company's operations, which normal year shall consist of at least 48 weeks, or a position of indefinite duration that requires a minimum of 35 hours of an employee's time per week for the portion of the taxable year in which the employee was initially hired for the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. "New, permanent full-time position" includes security positions as required within a foreign trade zone, established pursuant to the Foreign Trade Zones Act of 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. §§ 81a through 81u). "New, permanent full-time position" does not include seasonal or temporary positions, jobs created when a position is shifted from an existing location in the Commonwealth to the qualified company's new or expanded location, or positions in building and grounds maintenance or other positions that are ancillary to the principal activities performed by the employees at the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth.

"Qualified company" means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, or other business entity that (i) locates or expands a facility within the Commonwealth; (ii) creates at least 25 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees at a facility within the Commonwealth during its first year of operation or during the year when the expansion occurs; (iii) is involved in maritime commerce or exports or imports manufactured goods through the Port of Virginia; (iv) is engaged in the distribution, freight forwarding, freight handling, goods processing, manufacturing, warehousing, crossdocking, transloading, or wholesaling of goods exported and imported through the Port of Virginia; ship building and ship repair; dredging; marine construction; or offshore energy exploration or extraction; and (v) pays a minimum entry-level wage rate per hour of at least 1.2 times the federal minimum wage or the Virginia minimum wage, as required by the Virginia Minimum Wage Act (§ 40.1-28.8 et seq.), whichever is higher. In areas that have an unemployment rate of one and one-half times the statewide average unemployment rate, the wage rate minimum may be waived by the Authority. Only full-time positions that qualify for benefits shall be eligible for assistance.

"Qualified full-time employee" means an employee filling a new, permanent full-time position in the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. "Qualified full-time employee" does not include an employee (i) for whom a tax credit was previously earned pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or by a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code; (ii) who was previously employed in the same job function at an existing location in the Commonwealth by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (iii) whose job function was previously performed at a different location in the Commonwealth by an employee of a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

B. The Port of Virginia shall develop as a component of the Port of Virginia Economic Development Program the Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program.

C. Beginning January 1, 2025, and subject to appropriation, any qualified company that locates or expands a facility within the Commonwealth shall be eligible to apply for a one-time grant from the Fund, in an amount determined as follows:

1. If the qualified company creates at least 25 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs, $1,000 per new, permanent full-time position;

2. If the qualified company creates at least 50 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs, $1,500 per new, permanent full-time position;

3. If the qualified company creates at least 75 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs, $2,000 per new, permanent full-time position; and

4. If the qualified company creates at least 100 new, permanent full-time positions for qualified full-time employees during its first year of operation or during the year in which the expansion occurs, $3,000 per new, permanent full-time position.

G. Prior to receipt of a grant, the qualified company shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Port Authority establishing the requirements for maintaining the number of new, permanent full-time positions for qualified employees at the qualified company's location within the Commonwealth. If the number of new, permanent full-time positions for any of the three years immediately following receipt of a grant falls below the number of new, permanent full-time positions created during the year for which the grant is claimed, the amount of the grant shall be recalculated using the decreased number of new, permanent full-time positions, and the qualified company shall repay the difference.

H. No qualified company shall apply for a grant, nor shall one be awarded under this section to an otherwise qualified company, if (i) a credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 or a grant pursuant to § 62.1-132.3:2.3 is claimed for the same employees or for capital expenditures at the same facility by the qualified company, by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) the qualified company was a party to a reorganization as defined in § 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, and any corporation involved in the reorganization as defined in § 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code previously received a grant under this section for the same facility or operations.

I. The Virginia Port Authority, with the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, shall develop guidelines establishing procedures and requirements for qualifying for the grant, including the affirmative determination that each applicant is a qualified company, as defined above, engaged in a port-related business. The guidelines shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). For the purposes of administering this grant program, the Virginia Port Authority and the Department of Taxation shall exchange information regarding whether a qualified company, a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code has claimed a credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 or a grant pursuant to § 62.1-132.3:2.3 for the same employees or for capital expenditures at the same facility.

2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.3:2.3. International Trade Facility Grant Program.

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Affiliated companies" means two or more companies related to each other so that (i) one company owns at least 80 percent of the voting power of the other or others or (ii) the same interest owns at least 80 percent of the voting power of two or more companies.

"Capital investment" means the amount properly chargeable to a capital account for improvements to rehabilitate or expand depreciable real property placed in service during the taxable year and the cost of machinery, tools, and equipment used in an international trade facility directly related to the movement of cargo. "Capital investment" includes expenditures associated with any exterior, structural, mechanical, or electrical improvements necessary to expand or rehabilitate a building for commercial or industrial use and excavations, grading, paving, driveways, roads, sidewalks, landscaping, or other land improvements. For purposes of this section, machinery, tools, and equipment shall be deemed to include only that property placed in service by the international trade facility on and after January 1, 2025. Machinery, tools, and equipment excludes property (i) for which a credit under this section was previously granted; (ii) placed in service by the taxpayer, by a related party as defined in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or by a trade or business under common control as defined in § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended; or (iii) previously in service in the Commonwealth that has a basis in the hands of the person acquiring it, determined in whole or in part by reference to the basis of such property in the hands of the person from whom acquired or § 1014(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

"Capital investment" does not include:

1. The cost of acquiring any real property or building;

2. The cost of furnishings;

3. Any expenditure associated with appraisal, architectural, engineering, or interior design fees;

4. Loan fees, points, or capitalized interest;

5. Legal, accounting, realtor, sales and marketing, or other professional fees;

6. Closing costs, permit fees, user fees, zoning fees, impact fees, or inspection fees;

7. Bids, insurance, signage, utilities, bonding, copying, rent loss, or temporary facilities costs incurred during construction;

8. Utility hook-up or access fees;

9. Outbuildings; or

10. The cost of any well or septic system.

"Fund" means the Port of Virginia Economic Development Grant Fund established by § 62.1-132.3:2.1.

"Indexing ratio" means the greater of (i) the change in the United States Average Consumer Price Index for all items, all urban consumers (CPI-U), as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor for the previous year, or (ii) zero.

"International trade facility" means a company that:

1. Is engaged in port-related activities, including, warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding and handling, and goods processing;

2. Uses maritime port facilities located in the Commonwealth;

3. Transports at least five percent more cargo through maritime port facilities in the Commonwealth during the calendar year than was transported by the company through such facilities during the preceding calendar year; and

4. Pays a minimum entry-level wage rate per hour of at least 1.2 times the federal minimum wage or the Virginia minimum wage, as required by the Virginia Minimum Wage Act (§ 40.1-28.8 et seq.), whichever is higher. In areas that have an unemployment rate of one and one-half times the statewide average unemployment rate, the wage rate minimum may be waived by the Authority. Only full-time positions that qualify for benefits shall be eligible for assistance.

B. The Port of Virginia shall develop as a component of the Port of Virginia Economic Development Program the International Trade Facility Grant Program.

C. Beginning January 1, 2025, and subject to appropriation, an international trade facility that increases its qualified trade activities shall be eligible to receive a grant from the Fund. The amount of such grant shall be equal to either (i) $3,500, adjusted each year by the indexing ratio, per qualified full-time employee that results from increased qualified trade activities by the applicant or (ii) an amount equal to two percent of the capital investment made by the applicant to facilitate the increased qualified trade activities. The election of which award to apply for shall be the responsibility of the applicant. Both awards shall not be granted for the same activities that occur in a calendar year. The portion of such grant earned under clause (i) with respect to any qualified full-time employee who works in the Commonwealth for less than 12 full months during the credit year shall be determined by multiplying the credit amount by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of full months such employee worked for the international trade facility in the Commonwealth during the credit year and the denominator of which is 12.

D. Prior to receipt of a grant, the international trade facility shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Port Authority establishing the requirements for either a schedule of capital investment or maintaining the number of new, permanent full-time positions for qualified employees at the international trade facility's location within the Commonwealth. If the number of new, permanent full-time positions for any of the three years immediately following receipt of a grant falls below the number of new, permanent full-time positions created during the year for which the grant is claimed, the amount of the grant shall be recalculated using the decreased number of new, permanent full-time positions, and the international trade facility shall repay the difference.

E. No international trade facility shall apply for a grant, nor shall one be awarded under this section to an otherwise qualified international trade facility, if (i) a credit pursuant to § 58.1-439 or 58.1-439.12:06 or a grant pursuant to §§ 62.1-132.3:2.2 is claimed for the same employees or for capital expenditures at the same facility by the international trade facility, by a related party as listed in § 267(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by a trade or business under common control as defined in regulations issued pursuant to § 52(b) of the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) the international trade facility was a party to a reorganization as defined in § 368(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, and any corporation involved in the reorganization as defined in § 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code previously received a grant under this section for the same facility or operations.

F. The Virginia Port Authority, with the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, shall develop guidelines establishing procedures and requirements for qualifying for the grant, including the affirmative determination that each applicant is an international trade facility, engaged in a port-related business. The guidelines shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.3:3. Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund.

From such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources, there is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting, permanent fund to be known as the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund (the Fund), to be administered by the Authority. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Any moneys remaining in the Fund at the end of each fiscal year, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which shall be in the form of grants, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of awarding grants to applicants to the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Grant Program pursuant to § 62.1-132.3:4.

2018, c. 642.

§ 62.1-132.3:4. Virginia Waterway Maintenance Grant Program.

A. Once each fiscal year, the Authority shall award a grant of funds to a qualified applicant or applicants to support a dredging project or projects that have been approved by the Authority. The source of the grant funds shall be the Virginia Waterway Maintenance Fund created pursuant to § 62.1-132.3:3. Applicants shall be limited to political subdivisions and the governing bodies of Virginia localities.

B. The Authority shall develop guidelines establishing an application process, procedures for evaluating the feasibility of a proposed dredging project, and procedures for awarding grants. The guidelines and procedures shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). The guidelines and procedures shall provide that:

1. The Authority shall evaluate each application to determine its completeness, the sufficiency of its justification for the proposed project, the status of any necessary permits, the adequacy of its project management organization, and the potential beneficial use of dredged materials for the purpose of mitigation of coastal erosion, flooding, or other purposes for the common good.

2. The Authority shall not require any level of matching contributions from the applicant.

3. No award of a grant shall support any dredging project for a solely privately owned marina or dock. However, the Authority may award a grant to a political subdivision or governing body for the dredging of a waterway channel with a bottom that is privately owned if such political subdivision or governing body holds a lease of such bottom with a term of 25 years or more.

4. Prior to receipt of a grant, the applicant shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Authority establishing the requirements for the use of the grant funds.

C. Projects for which the Authority may award grant funding include (i) feasibility and cost evaluations, pre-project engineering studies, and project permitting and contracting costs for a waterway project conducted by the Commonwealth; (ii) the state portion of a nonfederal sponsor funding requirement for a federal project, which may include the beneficial use of dredged materials that are not covered by federal funding; (iii) the Commonwealth's maintenance of shallow-draft navigable waterway channel maintenance dredging and the construction and management of areas for the placement of dredged material; and (iv) the beneficial use, for environmental restoration and the mitigation of coastal erosion or flooding, of dredged materials from waterway projects conducted by the Commonwealth.

2018, c. 642; 2022, c. 282.

§ 62.1-132.3:5. Virginia Port Volume Increase Grant Program and Fund.

A. As used in this section:

"Agricultural entity" means a person engaged in growing or producing wheat, grains, fruits, nuts, or crops; tobacco, nursery, or floral products; forestry products, excluding raw wood fiber or wood fiber processed or manufactured for use as fuel for the generation of electricity; or seafood, meat, dairy, or poultry products.

"Base year port cargo volume" means the total amount of (i) net tons of noncontainerized cargo, (ii) TEUs of cargo, or (iii) units of roll-on/roll-off cargo actually transported by way of a waterborne ship or vehicle through a port facility during the period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. Base year port cargo volume must be at least 75 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, 10 loaded TEUs, or 10 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo for an eligible entity to be eligible for the grants provided in this section. For an eligible entity that did not ship that amount in the year ending December 31, 2023, including an eligible entity that locates in Virginia after such periods, its base cargo volume shall be measured by the initial January 1 through December 31 calendar year in which it meets the requirements of 75 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, 10 loaded TEUs, or 10 units of roll-on/roll-off cargo. Base year port cargo volume shall be recalculated each calendar year after the initial base year.

"Eligible entity" means an agricultural entity, manufacturing-related entity, or mineral and gas entity.

"Major facility" means a new facility to be located in Virginia that is projected to import or export cargo through a port in excess of 25,000 TEUs in its first calendar year.

"Manufacturing-related entity" means a person engaged in the manufacturing of goods or the distribution of manufactured goods.

"Mineral and gas entity" means a person engaged in severing minerals or gases from the earth.

"Port cargo volume" means the total amount of net tons of noncontainerized cargo, net units of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or containers measured in TEUs of cargo transported by way of a waterborne ship or vehicle through a port facility.

"Port facility" means any publicly or privately owned facility located within the Commonwealth through which cargo is transported by way of a waterborne ship or vehicle to or from destinations outside the Commonwealth and that handles cargo owned by third parties in addition to cargo owned by the port facility's owner.

"TEU" or "20-foot equivalent unit" means a volumetric measure based on the size of a container that is 20 feet long by eight feet wide by eight feet, six inches high.

B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Port Volume Increase Grant Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of providing grants to eligible entities pursuant to subsections C and D. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which shall be in the form of grants, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director.

C. 1. Beginning January 1, 2025, an eligible entity that uses port facilities in the Commonwealth and increases its port cargo volume at these facilities by a minimum of five percent in a single calendar year over its base year port cargo volume shall be eligible to receive a grant from the Fund in an amount determined by the Virginia Port Authority in accordance with subdivisions 2 and 3. The Virginia Port Authority may waive the requirement that port cargo volume be increased by a minimum of five percent over base year port cargo volume for any eligible entity that qualifies as a major facility.

2. Eligible entities that increase their port cargo volume by a minimum of five percent in a calendar year shall be eligible to receive a grant in the amount of $50 for each TEU, unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or 16 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, as applicable, above the base year port cargo volume. An eligible entity that is a major facility as defined in this section shall be eligible to receive a grant in the amount of $50 for each TEU, unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo, or 16 net tons of noncontainerized cargo, as applicable, transported through a port facility during the major facility's first calendar year. An eligible entity may not receive more than $250,000 for each calendar year. The maximum amount of grants allowed for all eligible entities pursuant to this section shall not exceed $3.8 million for each calendar year. In the event that the amount of eligible grants requested in a fiscal year exceeds the funds available in the Fund or $3.8 million, such grants shall be paid in the next fiscal year in which funds are available. The Virginia Port Authority shall allocate the grants pursuant to the provisions of subdivision D.

3. An eligible entity shall be eligible for a grant pursuant to this section only if the eligible entity owns the cargo at the time the port facilities are used.

D. For every year in which an eligible entity is applies for a grant, the eligible entity shall submit an application to the Virginia Port Authority by March 1 of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the increase in port cargo volume occurs. The eligible entity shall attach a schedule to its application with the following information and any other information requested by the Virginia Port Authority:

1. A description of how the base year port cargo volume and the increase in port cargo volume were determined;

2. The amount of the base year port cargo volume; and

3. The amount of the increase in port cargo volume for the calendar year stated both as a percentage increase and as a total increase in net tons of noncontainerized cargo, TEUs of cargo, and units of roll-on/roll-off cargo, as applicable, including information that demonstrates an increase in port cargo volume in excess of the minimum amount required to claim the grants awarded pursuant to this section.

E. The Virginia Port Authority shall not make awards under this section to applicants who are receiving tax credits for under § 58.1-439.12:10 for the same cargo.

F. The Virginia Port Authority shall develop guidelines establishing procedures and requirements for qualifying for grants under this section. The guidelines shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.3:6. Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Program and Fund.

A. As used in this section:

"Barge and rail cargo volume" means the total amount of (i) net tons of noncontainerized cargo, (ii) TEUs of cargo, or (iii) units of roll-on/roll-off cargo actually by barge or rail rather than by trucks or other motor vehicles on the Commonwealth's highways, measured from January 1 through December 31 of each calendar year.

"International trade facility" means a company that:

1. Does business in the Commonwealth and is engaged in port-related activities, including warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding and handling, and goods processing;

2. Has the sole discretion and authority to move cargo originating or terminating in the Commonwealth;

3. Uses maritime port facilities located in the Commonwealth; and

4. Uses barges and rail systems to move cargo through port facilities in the Commonwealth rather than trucks or other motor vehicles on the Commonwealth's highways.

B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Barge and Rail Usage Grant Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of providing grants to international trade facilities pursuant to subsections C and D. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which shall be in the form of grants, shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director.

C. 1. Beginning January 1, 2025, an international trade facility shall be eligible to receive a grant from the Fund in an amount determined by the Virginia Port Authority in accordance with subdivision 2.

2. The amount of the grant shall be $25 per 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU), 16 tons of noncontainerized cargo, or one unit of roll-on/roll-off cargo moved by barge or rail rather than by trucks or other motor vehicles on the Commonwealth's highways.

3. Applicants shall be required to increase their barge and rail cargo volume for a calendar year by at least five percent above the preceding calendar year's volume in order to be eligible for the grant.

D. The Virginia Port Authority shall issue the grants under this section, and in no case shall more than $1 million in grants be issued pursuant to this section in any fiscal year of the Commonwealth. In the event that the amount of eligible grants requested in a fiscal year exceeds the funds available in the Fund or $1 million, such grants shall be paid in the next fiscal year in which funds are available. The international trade facility shall not receive any grant under this section unless it has applied to the Virginia Port Authority for the grant and the Virginia Port Authority has approved the grant. The Virginia Port Authority shall determine the grant amount allowable for the year and shall provide a written certification to the international trade facility, which certification shall report the amount of the grant approved by the Virginia Port Authority.

E. The Virginia Port Authority shall not make awards under this section to applicants who are receiving tax credits for under § 58.1-439.12:09 for the same cargo.

2023, cc. 238, 239.

§ 62.1-132.4. Rates and rate structures.

The Authority shall have power to establish a traffic bureau or other office to investigate and seek improvement in any rates, rate structures, practices, and charges affecting or tending to affect the commerce of the ports of the Commonwealth. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Authority shall not disclose proprietary information and data furnished to it in confidence, including but not limited to customer contracts, agreements, or information; ship tally sheets; ship manifests; information relating to tonnages and cargoes; annual budgets; and other information furnished to it by any entity, including but not limited to any entity operating a terminal on behalf of the Virginia Port Authority.

1981, c. 589; 1997, c. 197; 2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-132.5. Planning.

The Authority shall initiate and further plans for the development of the ports of the Commonwealth, and, to this end, shall keep informed as to the present requirements and likely future needs of those ports.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.6. Powers not restrictive; exemptions from Public Procurement Act and the Virginia Personnel Act.

A. The Authority shall have the power to perform any act or carry out any function not inconsistent with state law, whether included in the provisions of this chapter, which may be, or tend to be, useful in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any of its powers in accordance with this chapter, provided the Authority implement, by policy or regulation adopted by the Board of Commissioners, procedures to ensure fairness and competitiveness in the procurement of goods and services and in the administration of its capital outlay program. This exemption shall be applicable only so long as such policies and procedures meeting the requirements remain in effect.

B. The provisions of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2 shall not apply to the Authority.

C. Additionally, the provisions of §§ 2.2-1124, 2.2-1131.1, 2.2-1136, 2.2-1149, 2.2-1150, and 2.2-1153 through 2.2-1156 shall not apply to the Authority provided that (i) the Authority adopts and the Board approves policies or regulations governing the acquisition, lease, or sale of surplus and real property consistent with the provisions of the above-referenced sections; and (ii) any acquisition, lease, or sale of real property valued in excess of $20 million shall be approved by the Governor.

D. Additionally, the provisions of §§ 2.2-1117 and 53.1-47 shall not apply to the Authority.

1981, c. 589; 1997, cc. 232, 488; 2012, cc. 846, 849; 2013, cc. 762, 794; 2015, cc. 175, 383.

§ 62.1-132.7. Employment of personnel and legal counsel.

A. The Authority may appoint, employ, dismiss, and fix and pay compensation to employees, officers, agents, advisers, and consultants, including financial and technical advisers, engineers, and public accountants within and without the Commonwealth and the United States without regard to whether such employees are citizens of the United States. The Authority shall determine the duties and compensation of its employees, officers, agents, advisers, and consultants without the approval of any other agency or instrumentality.

B. The authority may retain legal counsel, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, to represent the Authority in rate cases and all other hearings, controversies, or matters involving the interests of the Authority.

1981, c. 589; 1997, c. 232.

§ 62.1-132.8. Consolidation of terminal operations.

The Authority shall effect consolidation of the water terminals of the several cities within the ports of the Commonwealth. It, specifically, shall bring about the centrally directed operation of all state-owned port facilities at Hampton Roads by such means as may prove necessary or desirable, not inconsistent with state law.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.9. Foreign trade zones.

The Authority is empowered to develop, maintain, and operate foreign trade zones under such terms and conditions as are or may be prescribed by law.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.10. Publications of Authority.

A. The Authority may issue periodicals and carry and charge for advertising therein.

B. The Authority may compile and disseminate in a single publication all port charges, rules, and practices in effect at the several ports in the Commonwealth.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.11. Police powers; penalties.

The Authority is empowered to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations governing (i) the maximum and minimum speed limits of motor vehicles using Authority property, (ii) the kinds and sizes of vehicles which may be operated upon Authority property, (iii) materials which shall not be transported through or over Authority property, and (iv) other matters affecting the safety and security of Authority property. Such rules and regulations shall have the force and effect of law (i) after publication one time in full in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or county where the affected property is located, and (ii) when posted where the public using such property may conveniently see them. Violation of any rule or regulation which would have been a violation of law or ordinance if committed on a public street or highway shall be tried and punished as if it had been committed on a public street or highway. Any other violation of such rules and regulations shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.11:1. Prevention and suppression of fire.

The Authority may take such steps as necessary, not inconsistent with other provisions of law, to prevent and suppress fires on the waters of Hampton Roads, its tributaries and other waters in the vicinity of Hampton Roads, and on property adjacent to such waters which is accessible to a fire boat. In furtherance of this purpose, the Authority may, out of such funds as may become available, purchase, equip, maintain, use, and provide and train a crew or crews for a fire boat or fire boats.

1983, c. 303.

§ 62.1-132.11:2. Repealed.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

§ 62.1-132.12. Employment, jurisdiction, and power of special police officers.

A. The Authority may appoint and employ special police officers to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and rules and regulations adopted pursuant to § 62.1-132.11 on property owned, leased, or operated by the Authority or any of its subsidiaries. By agreement with the locality within which the property is located, the concurrent jurisdiction and authority of such special police, upon order entered of record by the circuit court for the locality, may be extended to a specific place or places in a locality outside the geographic boundaries of Authority property. Such special police officers shall have the powers vested in police officers under §§ 15.2-1704 and 52-8. Such special police officers may issue summons to appear, or arrest on view or on information without warrant as permitted by law, and conduct before the court of the city or county of competent jurisdiction any person violating, upon property under the control of the Authority, any rule or regulation of the Authority, any law of the Commonwealth, or any ordinance or regulation of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth.

B. The court or courts having jurisdiction for the trial of criminal offenses of the city or county wherein the offense was committed shall have jurisdiction to try persons charged with violating any such laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations. Fines and costs assessed or collected for violation of any such law, ordinance, rule, or regulation shall be paid into the Literary Fund.

1981, c. 589; 2008, cc. 324, 529; 2015, cc. 74, 253.

§ 62.1-132.12:1. Agreements with private terminal operators.

The Authority may enter into agreements with private maritime cargo terminal operators that require services comparable to services provided by the Authority to permit special police officers appointed and employed by the Authority pursuant to § 62.1-132.12 to provide and enforce safety and security on the operator's property. Such agreements shall require the private maritime cargo terminal operator to compensate the Authority for the direct and indirect costs of the services provided by the Authority.

2006, c. 220.

§ 62.1-132.13. Cooperation with federal agencies.

The Authority is empowered to cooperate with, and to act as an agent for, the United States of America or any agency, department, corporation or instrumentality thereof in the maintenance, development, improvement, and use of harbors and seaports of the Commonwealth, and in any other matter within the purposes, duties, and powers of the Authority.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.14. Agreement of local cooperation with Corps of Engineers.

The Authority, in addition to such other state agencies as the Governor may designate, is empowered, on behalf of and as an agent for the Commonwealth, with the approval of the Governor and after review by the Attorney General, to enter into contractual agreements, known as agreements of local cooperation, developed and tendered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for signature by local nonfederal interests. Specifically, the Authority and other agencies designated by the Governor may contract under such agreements:

(1) To provide, free of cost to the United States, the fee simple title to lands, perpetual and/or temporary easements, rights of way and any other interest in lands for cut-off bends, the laying of pipelines, erection of dikes, sluiceways, spillways, dams, drains, deposit of dredged materials, and for other purposes, provided that the conveyance of fee simple title or perpetual easements in subaqueous beds of waterways of the Commonwealth shall require further authorization of the General Assembly;

(2) To alter existing structures on such areas;

(3) To simultaneously dredge designated areas not covered by the federal project when and where required;

(4) To construct and maintain public wharves and public roads leading thereto;

(5) To make contributions in money or property in lieu of providing disposal areas for dredged materials;

(6) To hold the United States safe and harmless against claims for damages arising out of the project or work incident thereto;

(7) To remove sewer pipes and submarine cables;

(8) To construct and maintain marine railways for the public use; and

(9) To provide or satisfy any other items or conditions of local cooperation as stipulated in the congressional document covering the particular project involved.

This section shall not be interpreted as limiting but as descriptive of the items of local cooperation, the accomplishment of which the Authority and other designated agencies are hereby authorized to bind themselves, subject to the lawful appropriation of funds required therefor; it being intended to authorize the Authority and other designated agencies to comply fully and completely with all of the items of local cooperation as contemplated by Congress and as stipulated in the congressional acts or documents concerned.

1981, c. 589; 1982, c. 168.

§ 62.1-132.15. Grants and loans from federal agencies.

The Authority may apply for and accept grants or loans of money or property from any federal agency for any purpose authorized in this chapter. It may expend or use such money or property in accordance with any directions, requirements, or conditions which may be imposed by the agency.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.16. Fees and charges.

Under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by law, the Authority may fix, alter, charge, and collect tolls, fees, rentals, and any other charges for the use of, or for services rendered by, any Authority facility. The Authority may impose, levy, and collect such other fees and charges as may assist in defraying the expenses of administration, maintenance, development, or improvement of the ports of the Commonwealth, their cargo handling facilities, and harbors.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.17. Grants of funds and property.

Persons, counties, cities, and towns are hereby authorized to grant, and the Authority is empowered to accept, funds and property to use, within the scope of other powers and duties of the Authority, as stipulated by the grantor.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.18. Acquisition of property.

A. The Authority is authorized to acquire, construct, maintain, equip, and operate marine terminals, port facilities, wharves, docks, ships, piers, quays, elevators, compressors, refrigeration storage plants, warehouses, and other structures necessary for the convenient use of the same in the aid of commerce. The Authority is further authorized to undertake or make arrangements for the dredging of approaches to each facility and the construction of shipping facilities and transportation facilities incident thereto. The Authority shall have the power to issue revenue bonds for such acquisitions and purposes.

B. When such facilities or equipment is acquired from any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, the Authority is authorized to give written assurances, including agreements to reconvey properties to such political subdivision, for the installment payments for any terminals, facility, or equipment thus acquired.

1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-132.19. Acquisition and lease of property.

A. Except as provided in subsection D, the Authority is empowered to rent, lease, buy, own, acquire, construct, reconstruct, and dispose of harbors, seaports, port facilities, and such property, whether real or personal, as it may find necessary or convenient and issue revenue bonds therefor without pledging the faith and credit of the Commonwealth.

B. The Authority may lease to another such part or all of its real or personal property for such period and upon such terms and conditions as the Authority may determine.

C. The Authority shall neither expend funds nor incur any indebtedness for any improvement, repair, maintenance, or addition to any real or personal property owned by anyone other than the Authority, the Commonwealth, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, unless either (i) the use of such property is guaranteed to the Authority or the Commonwealth by a lease extending beyond the useful life of the improvement, repair, maintenance, addition, or new facility, or (ii) such expenditure or indebtedness is approved in writing by the Governor.

D. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, neither the Commonwealth nor the Authority shall accept any unsolicited proposal under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 33.2-1800 et seq.) or the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (§ 56-575.1 et seq.) regarding the ownership or operation of any seaport or port facility.

1981, c. 589; 2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-132.20. Craney Island Disposal Area.

A. No agency of the Commonwealth, including the Virginia Port Authority, shall have the authority to expand the Craney Island Disposal Area northward or westward. However, the Commonwealth and the Virginia Port Authority are authorized to expend state funds for the construction and development of Craney Island to the east for an additional marine terminal.

B. The Virginia Port Authority is hereby directed, in coordination with other state and federal agencies, including the United States Army Corps of Engineers, to locate, establish, and use ocean disposal areas for ocean-suitable dredge materials from the Hampton Roads Harbor, or some other suitable site, and to use the existing Craney Island Disposal Area for dredge material suitable or unsuitable for alternate disposal, including ocean disposal, with priority given to materials dredged from the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. The construction of a marine terminal on the eastern side of Craney Island Disposal Area using dredge material to extend the disposal area eastward, as defined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Feasibility Study approved on October 24, 2006, and authorized by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, is hereby authorized.

C. Prior to the disposal of any dredged material either at an ocean area or on the Craney Island Disposal Area, after the Craney Island Disposal Area has attained its capacity limit, the appropriate state agencies shall investigate and consider the cost and availability of beneficial uses of the dredged material. The appropriate state agencies shall consult with state and federal agencies to ensure the environmental acceptability of any beneficial use. When such environmentally acceptable beneficial use is available and economically feasible, the appropriate state agencies shall pursue such use.

For purposes of this section, "Craney Island Disposal Area" means that parcel of land lying and being in the body of water known as Hampton Roads Harbor, within the City of Portsmouth and adjacent to the City of Suffolk.

1991, c. 686; 1998, c. 543; 2009, c. 38; 2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-133. Repealed.

Repealed by Acts 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-134.1. Expediting shipment of coal.

A. The Authority shall analyze the shipment of coal through the ports of the Commonwealth for the purpose of expediting such shipments. For this purpose, the Authority shall be authorized to collect, analyze, and require the furnishing of information, which is maintained in the ordinary course of business by the person, firm, or corporation providing such information, pertaining to the transportation of coal which has been moved to and from the ports of this Commonwealth, including:

1. From a railway company or any subsidiary thereof involved in the shipment or storage of coal -- the inland origin; the identity of any transshipper, the rail destination; the route; the car movement record, whether such movement was pursuant to permit or agreement; the date of issuance of permits; the date and time of vessel registration; the position in vessel queue at the time of registration and at the time such vessel was ordered to berth for loading; and date such vessel was loaded;

2. From any railway company, supplier, mining company, or transshipper -- the tonnage and classification of coal loaded aboard such vessel;

3. From any transshipper -- the identity of any supplier, broker, transshipper, or purchaser of coal for shipment by railway;

4. From any ship line, shipping company, ship agent, wholesaler, retailer, broker, transshipper, or operator of any coal storage facility -- the identity of any vessel loaded with coal, the date of such vessel's arrival at port, the date such vessel departed and the tonnage and classification of coal loaded aboard such vessel; and

5. From any of the parties mentioned in subdivisions 1, 2, 3, or 4 -- any other information which is relevant and necessary to such analysis of shipment of coal through the ports of the Commonwealth provided such information is maintained in the ordinary course of business of such person, firm, or corporation.

B. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, any person, firm, corporation or agent thereof engaged in the mining, consignment, sale, transportation, loading, unloading, storage, or handling of coal for shipment through any port of this Commonwealth, whether as a mining company, railway company, ship line, shipping company, ship agent, wholesaler, retailer, broker, transshipper, operator of any coal storage facility, or facility for the loading or unloading of railroad cars or ships, or any entity otherwise engaged in an activity which directly affects the transportation of coal to or from any port of this Commonwealth, within forty-five days after receiving a written request from the Authority, shall furnish the Authority with any such information as is described in subsection A of this section as is maintained in the ordinary course of business of the party requested to provide the information. In the event of willful noncompliance with the provisions of this section by any person, firm, or corporation, the Authority may petition an appropriate circuit court for injunctive relief or, in the alternative, for recovery of a civil penalty, payable to the Authority, in an amount no less than $100 per day and no more than $1,000 per day for each day noncompliance continues. Upon a finding that the defendant's noncompliance was willful, the court shall order compliance or payment of the civil penalty, as the case may be.

C. The aforesaid information and data shall be supplied to the Executive Director of the Authority and shall be for the exclusive use of the Executive Director and the staff of the Authority. Neither the Executive Director nor any staff member of the Authority shall disclose this information and data to any member of the Board of Commissioners of the Authority; nor to any person, firm, corporation or agent thereof engaged in the mining, consignment, sale, transportation, loading, unloading, storage, or handling of coal, whether such person, firm, corporation or agent be public or private and whether or not such person, firm, corporation, or agent be a subsidiary or unit of the Authority; nor to anyone outside the Authority.

D. In carrying out the functions heretofore described the Authority shall be deemed to be performing essential governmental functions as an agent of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

1981, c. 464.

§ 62.1-135. Repealed.

Repealed by Acts 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-136. Power of eminent domain.

The Authority is hereby vested with the power of eminent domain to acquire property or any interest therein, however held, but not property of the Commonwealth or its agencies, and may exercise the same for the purposes set forth in §§ 62.1-132.18 and 62.1-132.19 in the manner and to the extent set forth in, and subject to the provisions of, Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1; provided that the Authority shall have no power to condemn any property belonging to any other political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or to any common carrier, or public utility or other public service corporation which is being devoted to public use or service. Whether property is being devoted to public use or service in the case of a public service corporation, common carrier, or public utility, shall be decided by the State Corporation Commission in a proceeding under § 25.1-102; and in the case of a political subdivision shall be decided by the court in which the proceeding is brought.

Code 1950, § 62-106.8:1; 1962, c. 346; 1968, c. 659; 1981, c. 589; 2003, c. 940.

§ 62.1-137. Repealed.

Repealed by Acts 1981, c. 589.

§ 62.1-138. Powers of State Corporation Commission not affected.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as affecting the powers and duties now conferred by law upon the State Corporation Commission.

Code 1950, § 62-106.9; 1952, c. 61; 1968, c. 659.

§ 62.1-139. Forms of accounts and records; annual report.

A. The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in a form prescribed by governmental generally accepted accounting principles. Such accounts shall correspond as nearly as possible to the accounts and records for such matters maintained by enterprises.

B. The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by a certified public accounting firm selected by the Auditor of Public Accounts with the assistance of the Authority through a process of competitive negotiation. The cost of such audit and review shall be borne by the Authority.

C. The General Assembly may request the Auditor of Public Accounts to conduct audits at any time.

D. The Authority shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year. Such report shall contain the audited annual financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the preceding June 30.

E. The Authority shall submit a detailed annual operating plan and budget to the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget by November 1 of each year. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the form and content of the operating plan and budget shall be determined by the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget and shall include information on salaries, expenditures, indebtedness, and other information as determined by the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget.

F. The Board of Commissioners, the General Assembly, or the Governor may at any time request that the Office of the Inspector General, created pursuant to § 2.2-308, review any area of the Authority's finances or operations.

Code 1950, § 62-106.11; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659; 1984, c. 734; 1985, c. 146; 2004, c. 650; 2012, cc. 846, 849; 2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-140. Definitions; bond resolution; form and requisites of bonds; sale and disposition of proceeds; temporary bonds.

A. As used in this section and in §§ 62.1-141 through 62.1-146, the term "port facility" means harbors, seaports and all facilities used in connection therewith and shall include all those facilities named in §§ 62.1-132.18 and 62.1-132.19.

The term "cost" as used in this chapter embraces the cost of construction, the cost of the acquisition of all land, rights-of-way, property, rights, easements and interests acquired by the Authority for such construction, the cost of all machinery and equipment, financing charges, interest prior to and during construction and, if deemed advisable by the Authority, for one year after completion of construction, engineering and legal expenses, cost of plans, specifications, surveys and estimates of cost and of revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of constructing any port facility, administrative expense, the creation of a working capital fund for placing the port facility in operation and such other expense as may be necessary or incident to the construction of such port facility, the financing of such construction and the placing of the same in operation.

The term "bonds" as used in this chapter means obligations of the Authority for the payment of borrowed money. For purposes of the limitations imposed by subsections B and C of § 62.1-140, contingent obligations to reimburse providers for amounts drawn under credit facilities, letters of credit, lines of credit, guarantees, standby bond purchase agreements, or other credit or liquidity enhancement facilities, including any such enhancement facility obtained by the Authority for deposit into any reserve account or fund relating to any bonds, shall not constitute bonds.

For purposes of the limitations imposed by subsections B and C of § 62.1-140, the term "revenue bonds" means bonds for which only the revenues of port facilities are pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds.

B. The Authority is hereby authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance, at one time or from time to time, of bonds of the Authority for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of any Authority project for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction or control of port facilities or of any portion or portions thereof, provided that the total principal amount of bonds, including refunding bonds, outstanding at any time shall not exceed $200 million, excluding from such limit any revenue bonds.

All of the bonds of one or more series of the bonds of the Authority at any time outstanding may be refunded by the Authority by the issuance of its refunding bonds in such amount as the Authority may deem necessary, but not exceeding an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of the bonds so to be refunded, together with all unpaid interest accrued and to accrue and with any redemption premium thereon and all costs and expenses incident to the authorization and issuance of such bonds as determined by the Authority. The proceeds of any such refunding bonds may, in the discretion of the Authority, be applied to the purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption of such outstanding revenue bonds either on their earliest or any subsequent redemption date or upon the purchase or at the maturity thereof, and may, pending such application, be placed in trust in accordance with the provisions of § 62.1-143 of this chapter to be applied to such purchase or retirement at maturity or redemption on such date as may be determined by the Authority. All refunding bonds may have all of the attributes of revenue bonds to the extent that such other provisions of this chapter relating to revenue bonds may be applicable to refunding bonds.

C. The principal of and the interest on all bonds issued by the Authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be payable solely from the funds herein provided for such payment. The bonds of each issue shall be dated, shall bear interest at the prevailing rate of interest at the time, shall mature at such time or times not exceeding forty years from their date or dates, as may be determined by the Authority, and may be made redeemable before maturity, at the option of the Authority, at such price or prices and under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Authority prior to the issuance of the bonds. The Authority shall determine the form of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached thereto, and shall fix the denomination or denominations of the bonds and the place or places of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth.

All bonds shall be signed by the Executive Director of the Authority or shall bear his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the Authority or a facsimile thereof shall be impressed or imprinted thereon and attested by the secretary of the Authority, and any coupons attached thereto shall bear the facsimile signature of the Executive Director of the Authority. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature shall appear on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature or such facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he had remained in office until such delivery. All bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall have and are hereby declared to have all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the negotiable instruments law of the Commonwealth. 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 such manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price, as it may determine will best effect the purposes of this chapter.

The proceeds of the bonds of each issue shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of acquisition, construction, reconstruction and control of port facilities or the portion thereof for which such bonds shall have been issued, or, in the case of refunding bonds, to refund such bonds including any unpaid interest accrued and to accrue and any redemption premium thereon and all costs and expenses incident to the authorization and issuance of such bonds as shall be determined by the Authority upon the issuance of such refunding bonds, and shall be disbursed in such manner and under such restrictions, if any, as the Authority may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement hereinafter mentioned securing the same. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue, by error of estimates or otherwise, shall be less than such cost, additional bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit, and unless otherwise provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement securing the same, shall be deemed to be of the same issue and shall 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, if such bonds shall have been issued for paying the cost of a portion of the project, such surplus may be applied to the payment of the cost of any remaining portion of the project.

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 which shall become mutilated or shall be destroyed or lost.

The Authority shall not issue any bonds, other than revenue bonds or any refunding bonds issued by the Authority pursuant to the second paragraph of subsection B of § 62.1-140, which are not specifically authorized by a bill or resolution passed by a majority vote of those elected to each house of the General Assembly. Refunding bonds may only be issued with the consent of the Governor. However, the Governor, in his sole discretion, may approve bonds which have not been authorized by the General Assembly if such bonds are to finance capital projects that emerge between legislative sessions, provided the debt is required to stimulate commerce consistent with § 62.1-132.3 and provided that:

1. The total amount of such bonds added to the total amount of Virginia Port Authority bonds currently authorized does not exceed the limit in § 62.1-140 B;

2. Funds are available within the appropriations, if needed, without adverse effect on other projects or programs, or from unappropriated nongeneral fund revenues or balances;

3. In the Governor's opinion such action may result in a measurable benefit to the Commonwealth;

4. The authorization includes a detailed description of the project, the project need, the total project costs, the estimated operating costs, and the fund sources for the project and its operating costs;

5. The requirements of Chapter 11.1 (§ 10.1-1182 et seq.), Title 10.1, regarding environmental impact statements, will be met as a precondition for the approval of the project; and

6. The authorization of any such debt as provided for in this section shall be promptly communicated to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.

Code 1950, § 62-106.12; 1954, c. 667; 1958, cc. 174, 488; 1968, c. 659; 1972, c. 423; 1981, cc. 589, 590; 1991, c. 246; 1993, c. 656.

§ 62.1-141. Trust agreement securing bonds; provisions of agreement or bond resolution; depository of proceeds or revenues; expenses.

In the discretion of the Authority any bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter 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. Such trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds may pledge or assign the revenues to be received, but shall not convey or mortgage the port facilities or any part thereof; provided, however, the Authority may make a purchase-money agreement giving a chattel mortgage or lien on personal property or operating equipment purchased for use in its facilities. Such 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 construction, improvement, maintenance, repair, operation and insurance of the port facilities or the portion thereof in connection with which such bonds shall have been authorized, the rates 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 such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such securities as may be required by the Authority. Any such trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, and may restrict the individual right of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, any such trust agreement or resolution may contain such other provisions as the Authority may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of such trust agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the cost of the operation of the port facilities or portion thereof.

Code 1950, § 62-106.13; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659; 1974, c. 148.

§ 62.1-142. Charges for use of port facilities; sinking fund created from revenues for payment of bonds.

The Authority is hereby authorized to fix and revise charges for the use of the port facilities under its control and the different parts or sections thereof, and to contract with any person, partnership, association or corporation desiring the use of any part thereof, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents and rates of charges for such use. Such charges shall be so fixed and adjusted in respect of the aggregate of charges from the port facility or the portion or portions thereof in connection with which revenue bonds or refunding bonds shall have been issued under the provisions of this chapter as to provide a fund sufficient with other revenues, if any, to pay (a) the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating such port facility or portion or portions and (b) the principal of and the interest on such bonds as the same shall become due and payable, and to create reserves for such purposes. Such charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any commission, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth or of any municipality, county or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The charges and all other revenues derived from the port facility or portion or portions in connection with which such bonds shall have been issued except such part thereof as may be necessary to pay such 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 same, shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in such resolution or such trust agreement in a sinking fund which is hereby pledged to, and charged with, the payment of the principal of and the interest on such bonds as the same shall 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 charges and other 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 such bonds or of such trust agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in such resolution or such trust agreement, such sinking fund shall be a fund for all such bonds without distinction or priority of one over another. In addition to all other powers granted to the Authority by this chapter, the Authority is hereby authorized to pledge to the payment of the principal of and the interest on any bonds under the provisions of this chapter any moneys received or to be received by it under any appropriation made to it by the General Assembly, unless the appropriation is restricted by the General Assembly to specific purposes of the Authority or such pledge is prohibited by the law making such appropriations; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to obligate the General Assembly to make any such appropriation.

Code 1950, § 62-106.14; 1954, c. 667; 1958, c. 174; 1968, c. 659; 1981, c. 590.

§ 62.1-143. Proceeds of bonds and revenues held in trust for certain purposes.

All moneys received pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds or refunding bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter. The Authority shall, in the resolution authorizing such bonds or in the trust agreement securing such bonds, provide for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues to be received to a trustee, which shall be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth, who shall act as trustee of the funds, and hold and apply the same to the purposes of this chapter, subject to such regulations as this chapter and such resolution or trust agreement may provide. In the case of the proceeds of the sale of revenue bonds or revenues, the trustee may invest and reinvest such funds pending their need for the construction of the project in securities that are legal investments under the laws of the Commonwealth for funds held by fiduciaries. In the case of the proceeds of the sale of refunding bonds, the trustee may invest and reinvest such funds in direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and the interest on which are guaranteed by, the United States of America. Such money and the interest, income and profits, if any, earned on such investment, shall be available for the payment of all or any part of the principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, of the bonds being refunded. The proceeds of the sale of refunding bonds shall be so invested and applied as to assure that the principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, on the bonds being refunded shall be paid in full on their respective maturity, redemption or interest payment dates. After the terms of the trust have been fully satisfied, and carried out, any balance of such proceeds and interest, income and profits, if any, earned or realized on the investments thereof may be returned to the Authority for use by it in any lawful manner.

Code 1950, § 62-106.15; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 1981, c. 590.

§ 62.1-144. Remedies of bondholders and trustee.

Any holder of bonds, notes, certificates or other evidences of borrowing issued under the provisions of this chapter or of 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 such trust agreement, may either at law or in equity, by suit, action, injunction, mandamus or other proceedings, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the Commonwealth or granted by this chapter or under such trust agreement or the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds, notes or certificates and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this chapter or by such agreement or resolution to be performed by the Authority or by any officer or agent thereof, including the fixing of charges and collection of the same.

Code 1950, § 62-106.16; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659.

§ 62.1-145. Exercise of powers constitutes governmental functions; exemption from taxation.

The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter shall be in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce, and for the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, convenience, and prosperity, and as the operation and maintenance of the project by the Authority will constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon the project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this chapter or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on tangible personal property used in and about a marine terminal under the supervision of the Virginia Port Authority for handling cargo, merchandise, freight, and equipment; nor shall the agents, lessees, sublessees, or users of tangible personal property owned by or leased to the Authority be required to pay any sales or use tax upon such property or the revenue derived therefrom; and the bonds, notes, certificates, or other evidences of debt issued under the provisions of this chapter, their transfer and the income therefrom including any profit made on the sale thereof, shall be exempt from taxation by the Commonwealth and by any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof. The exemption from the retail sales and use tax shall apply to property acquired or used by the Authority, or by a nonstock, nonprofit corporation that operates a marine terminal or terminals solely on behalf of the Authority. Service charge payments to any city, county, or town authorized pursuant to subsection D of § 58.1-3403 shall be paid from the general fund. Service charge payments to any county, city, or town authorized pursuant to subsection B of § 58.1-3403 shall be paid by the Authority.

Code 1950, § 62-106.17; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659; 1974, c. 546; 1990, c. 694; 2000, c. 737; 2005, c. 581.

§ 62.1-146. Bonds as legal investments.

Bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this chapter are hereby made 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 are hereby made securities which 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 is now or may hereafter be authorized by law.

Code 1950, § 62-106.18; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659.

§ 62.1-147. Bonds not debt or pledge of credit of Commonwealth or political subdivision; payment of expenses.

Bonds and refunding bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof or a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or of any such political subdivision, but shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor from revenues. All such bonds shall contain on the face thereof a statement to the effect that neither the Commonwealth nor the Authority shall be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from revenues of the port facility and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such bonds.

All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be payable solely from funds provided under the authority of this chapter and no liability or obligation shall be incurred by the Authority hereunder beyond the extent to which moneys shall have been provided under the provisions of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 62-106.19; 1954, c. 667; 1968, c. 659; 1981, c. 590; 1993, c. 656.

§ 62.1-147.1. Legalization of prior actions.

Any bonds issued to refund bonds or other obligations of the Authority prior to the adoption of the amendments in this chapter relating to refunding bonds which could now be taken under this chapter are hereby approved, validated and ratified by the legislature of the Commonwealth.

1981, c. 590.

§ 62.1-147.1:1. Exemption of Authority from certain technology procedures.

The provisions regulating the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (§ 2.2-2005 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this chapter.

2013, cc. 762, 794.

§ 62.1-147.2. Chapter liberally construed.

This chapter shall constitute full and complete authority for the doing of the acts and things herein authorized and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof.

1997, c. 232.

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Code of Virginia

Chapter 10. Virginia Port Authority.

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