reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1009 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter I - Enterprise and Commercial Zone Program|§ 1009. Findings of necessity

 (1) The Commission shall, at least annually, make a determination as to whether one or more blighted areas exist in an Enterprise Zone and whether the rehabilitation, conservation, re-development, or a combination thereof of the area or areas is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the residents, and the economic viability of such Enterprise Zone or Zones specifically and the Territory of the Virgin Islands generally. (2) Upon such a determination, the Commission shall report and recommend to the Attorney General that the area or areas be condemned and/or rehabilitated in accordance with the provisions of Title 28, chapters 19 and 20, Virgin Islands Code, or such other action consistent with the goals of this chapter.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1010 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter I - Enterprise and Commercial Zone Program|§ 1010. Resolutions

 The Commission shall not adopt a resolution pursuant to section 1009 this chapter unless it finds that one or more blighted areas as defined in section 1003 of this chapter exist in one or more Enterprise Zones, and the re-development of such area or areas is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals or welfare of the residents, and the economic viability of such community.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1012 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter I - Enterprise and Commercial Zone Program|§ 1012. Hiring of VI residents; competitive bidding procedures

 (1) Any business granted benefits pursuant to this chapter shall agree in writing to employ, and to require all contractors retained by the business to employ persons who are residents of the Virgin Islands. (2) Any business granted benefits pursuant to this chapter shall similarly agree, and must require all contractors retained by the business to agree, to contract for services with and purchase goods, materials and supplies from those persons who are residents of the Virgin Islands and those entities that are incorporated or registered under the laws of the Virgin Islands, and who are duly licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands and have been so duly licensed for at least one year prior to the initial date of any such purchase, contract, or subcontract, provided that the bid of such resident or entity does not exceed the bid of any nonresident person or entity by more than fifteen percent (15%). Each Enterprise Zone business and all contractors and subcontractors of such business must invite competitive bidding for all services, goods, and materials pursuant to the publication requirements of Title 31, Chapter 23, section 236, Virgin Islands Code, and must apprise each bidder in writing of the name of the successful bidder and the amount of his bid within thirty (30) days after awarding the bid.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1013 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter I - Enterprise and Commercial Zone Program|§ 1013. Industrial development benefits beneficiary exclusion

 (1) Beneficiaries of the Industrial Development Program in Title 29, Chapter 12, Virgin Islands Code, shall not be eligible to be designated as Enterprise Zone Businesses nor to receive benefits authorized pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (2) An individual or entity that was formerly a beneficiary of the Industrial Development Program can, however, apply for benefits as an Enterprise Zone Business, and a current beneficiary of the Industrial Development Program can apply for benefits as an Enterprise Zone Business and terminate its benefits under the Industrial Development Program as of the effective date of its benefits as an Enterprise Zone Business. (3) An Enterprise Zone Business can similarly apply for benefits under the Industrial Development Program and, upon the receipt of such benefits, elect to terminate its benefits under the Enterprise Zone Program as of the effective date of its benefits under the Industrial Development Program.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017. Purpose

 The purpose of this subchapter is to establish a process that provides incentives by the Government to induce private investment in Commercial Zone areas by removing unnecessary governmental regulatory barriers to economic growth, and providing tax incentive benefits.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017a (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017a. Definitions

 As used in this subchapter: (1) “Commercial Zone” means that total area within the Territory that has been declared a commercial zone pursuant to title 29 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 19, Subchapter I, Section 1003(11). (2) “Commercial Zone Business” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, proprietorship or other business entity granted benefits pursuant to this subchapter. (3) “Commission” means the Enterprise Zone Commission, a public body created pursuant to title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19 section 1004. (4) “Real Property” includes all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto or developed in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens. (5) Rehabilitation” means the reconstruction, alteration or repair of improvements, structures and buildings, in accordance with the requirements of the Virgin Islands Building Code, and other laws and regulations pertaining to building, fire prevention, health, housing, and zoning and also the use of land, and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements. (6) “Resident of the Virgin Islands” has the same meaning as that found in title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19, section 1003 (9)(a) and (b).
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017b (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017b. Commercial Zone Program established

 (a) There is established in the Virgin Islands a Commercial Zone Program. (b) The Program is organized and administered as a committee of the Virgin Islands Enterprise Zone Commission, established pursuant to title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19, section 1004.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017c (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017c. Powers and duties of the commission

 In addition to the powers enumerated in title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19, section 1007, the Commission shall: (1) Develop application procedures for demonstrating compliance with section 1021 of this subchapter and for obtaining the benefits set out under section 1017e of this subchapter, which may include public hearings by the Commission; (2) Oversee and monitor the implementation of this subchapter; (3) Determine compliance of the beneficiaries with the provisions of this subchapter and all regulations promulgated hereunder; (4) Actively promote and publicize the Commercial Zone Program, including, preparing, purchasing, and distributing by mail, the internet, or other means, material concerning Commercial Zones; (5) Provide technical and business assistance related to tax incentives and the development of alternative revenue sources to businesses within each Commercial Zone; (6) Coordinate Federal and Territorial business assistance programs and in cooperation with the appropriate Federal and Territorial departments or agencies, help streamline permit and license application procedures for businesses located in Commercial zones; (7) Work with the appropriate Federal and Territorial departments and agencies to coordinate the Commercial Zone Program with other programs carried out in the territory, including without limitation, economic development programs, programs providing financial and other assistance to small businesses, programs providing transportation assistance, and job training programs; (8) Apply or work with beneficiaries of the Commercial Zone Program to apply for Federal and Territorial grants, loans, and services that benefit businesses in a Commercial Zone; (9) Monitor enterprises that are established in or relocated to a Commercial Zone and that qualify for the incentives provided for in section 1025 of this subchapter; and (10) Prepare and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to compliment the provisions of this subchapter. Such rules and regulations shall have the force of law upon approval by the governor and promulgated in accordance with chapter 35 of title 3 Virgin Islands Code.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017d (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017d. Specific requirements for granting of benefits

 In order to qualify and remain eligible for benefits provided under this subchapter, an applicant must fulfill the following specific qualifications and requirements: (1) Establish or continue to maintain a business with valid licenses and permits within a Commercial Zone; (2) Invest at least $75,000 or invest an additional amount of $75,000, in the rehabilitation of the building used by a business that will advance the economic well being of the Territory. The fair market value of all equipment leased for a term of at least five years must be included in determining compliance with the investment requirement. The minimum investment required by this section may be reduced, if the Commission finds that the proposed business will provide sufficient employment to justify the lower investment; (3) In the case of a natural person, be a resident of the Virgin Islands as defined in section 1017a(6) of this subchapter; (4) Actually invest in the Commercial Zone rather than being a contractor, subcontractor, person or corporation acting as an agent or representative in a similar capacity to the investor; (5) Meet such standards of ecological compatibility that may be established by Federal or Territorial law; (6) Employ at least four residents of the Virgin Islands and one paid apprentice in such business directly or through subcontractors or, for existing businesses, add at least four new employees and one paid apprentice who are residents of the Virgin Islands, either during the construction period, or on a permanent basis in the operation of the business. The commission may waive this requirement upon a demonstration to the Commission that the employment of the prescribed number of persons in the particular enterprise would not be economically feasible or practical, and upon a further finding by the Commission that the desirability of the proposed enterprise outweighs the fact that it will not provide employment for at least two residents, or for two additional residents; (7) Comply with all Federal and Territorial laws, including anti-discrimination and wrongful discharge laws; (8) For any applicant who proposes to do business on land adjoining any beach or shoreline of the Virgin Islands, agree to grant to the Government of the Virgin Islands a perpetual easement upon and across such land to the beach or shoreline to provide free and unrestricted access thereto to the public. The easement must be duly recorded in the Recorder of Deeds upon the designation of the business as a Commercial Zone Business; and (9) Agree in writing to notify the Virgin Islands Employment Service as to the availability of employment by the business or its subcontractors, the number of employees required, the occupational classification of such workers, and the applicable wage rate.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017e (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017e. Hiring of Virgin Islands residents; competitive bidding procedures

 (a) Any business granted benefits under this subchapter shall agree in writing to employ and to require all contractors retained by the business to employ persons who are residents of the Virgin Islands. (b) Any business granted benefits pursuant to this subchapter shall require all contractors retained by the business to agree to contract for services with, and purchase goods, materials and supplies from those persons who are residents of the Virgin Islands and those entities that are incorporated or registered under the laws of the Virgin Islands, and who are duly licensed to do business in the Virgin Islands and have been so duly licensed for at least one year prior to the initial date of any such purchase, contract, or subcontract, provided that the bid of such resident or entity does not exceed the bid of any nonresident person or entity by more than fifteen percent (15%). Each Commercial Zone business and all contractors and subcontractors of such business shall invite competitive bidding for all services, goods, and materials pursuant to the publication requirements of title 31 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23, section 236 and must apprise each bidder in writing of the name of the successful bidder and the amount of his bid within thirty (3) days after awarding the bid.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017f (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017f. Economic development benefits exclusion

 (a) Beneficiaries of the Economic Development Program in title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 12 shall not be eligible to be designated as Commercial Zone Businesses nor to receive benefits authorized pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter. (b) An individual or entity that was formerly a beneficiary of the Economic Development Program may, however, apply for benefits as a Commercial Zone Business, and a current beneficiary of the Economic Development Program may apply for benefits as a Commercial Zone Business if such beneficiary terminates its benefits under the Economic Development Program as of the effective date of its benefits as a Commercial Zone Business. (c) A commercial Zone Business may apply for benefits under the Economic Development Program and upon the receipt of such benefits must elect to terminate its benefits under the Commercial Zone Program as of the effective date of its benefits under the Economic Development Program.
V.I. Code tit. 29, § 1017h (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 29 - Public Planning and Development|Chapter 19 - Enterprise Zone Program Act|Subchapter IV - Commercial Zone|§ 1017h. Enterprise Zone Fund

 (a) There is established within the Treasury of the Virgin Islands a separate and distinct fund designated and known as the “Enterprise Zone Fund”. The Commissioner of Finance shall maintain and provide for the administration of the Fund, and no monies shall be made available for expenditure there from, except as provided by law. All monies in the Fund remain available until expended. (b) The Fund consists of all monies appropriated from time to time by the Legislature, all public or private grants, donations, bequests or devises, and fees collected by the Enterprise Zone Commission, or any appropriations transfers thereto. (c) The Commissioner of Finance shall disburse monies from the Fund as directed by the Enterprise Zone Commission to implement the Enterprise and Commercial Zones Programs.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 1 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 1. Public utilities subject to regulation; definition; financial interests of members of Commission

 (a) The following services provided by an individual, firm, co-partnership, association, corporation or other person for compensation are declared to be affected with a public interest and are defined to be a public utility subject to this chapter, and the person providing such service to be a “public utility”. (1) lighterage and cargo handling; (2) dockage, wharfage, or related cargo services; (3) telephone service; (4) water supply services; except retail deliveries; (5) electric power service; (6) passenger services by motor busses or trucks; (7) public marine passenger transportation services operating under government grant of exclusive franchise; (8) [Repealed.] (b) None of the foregoing services shall be deemed to be a public utility under this chapter, when supplied by the Federal Government. (c) The rates for public utility service supplied by the Government shall be fixed, unless fixed by law, in the same manner as rates for public utility services furnished by a private entity. (d) As used herein, the word “Commission” shall mean the Public Services Commission of the Virgin Islands as continued and established by the provisions of section 137 of Title 3. (e) No member of the Commission shall have any financial interest in, or be an agent or employee of, or any public utility subject to this chapter.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 2 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 2. Just and reasonable rates and services

 Every public utility doing business within the Virgin Islands is required to furnish service and facilities reasonably safe and adequate and in all respects just and reasonable. The charge made by any such public utility for any facility or services furnished, or rendered, or to be furnished, or rendered, shall be reasonable, just and nondiscriminatory. Every unjust or unreasonable or discriminatory charge for such facility or service is prohibited and is hereby declared unlawful. Every public utility is hereby required to obey the lawful orders of the Commission.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 3 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 3. Joint use of facilities

 Any public utility doing business in the Virgin Islands having tracks, conduits, poles, wires, switchboards, exchanges, works, or other equipment shall, for a reasonable compensation, permit the use of the same by any other public utility whenever public convenience and necessity requires such use, and such use will not result in irreparable injury to the owners or other users of such equipment, nor in any substantial detriment to the service to be rendered by such owners or other users. For purposes of this section the term “public utility” shall include any agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government consenting to the use, arrangement or order involved. The Commission may require that public utilities enter into such arrangements for interchange, interconnection, joint or combined use of facilities or equipment, polling or other arrangements for the provision of service, upon such terms and conditions as the Commission determines, after investigation and hearing, (a) is in furtherance of the public convenience and necessity, including specifically but not exclusively the public interest in service that is safe, adequate and economical, (b) will not result in irreparable injury or detriment to the owner or users of facilities or equipment without adequate compensation, and (c) is just and reasonable. Such use or service so ordered shall be permitted and such conditions and compensations so prescribed shall be the lawful conditions and compensation to be observed, followed, and paid. Any such order of the Commission may from time to time be revised by the Commission upon application of any interested party or upon its own motion after hearing and notice by order in writing, and shall be subject to recourse to the courts upon the complaint of any interested party, as hereinafter provided.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 4 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 4. Compliance with regulations

 The Commission shall have power, after hearing and notice by order in writing, to require and compel every public utility to comply with the provisions of this chapter, and with all other laws of the Virgin Islands applicable, and any ordinance or regulation relating to said public utility, and to conform to the duties upon it thereby imposed or by the provisions of its own charter, if any charter has or shall be granted it: provided, that nothing herein contained shall be held to relieve any public utility, its officers, agents, or servants, from any punishment, fine, forfeiture, or penalty for violation of any such law, ordinance, regulation, or duty imposed by its charter, nor to limit, take away, or restrict the jurisdiction of any court or other authority which now has, or which may hereafter have power to impose any such punishment, fine, forfeiture, or penalty.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 5 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 5. Uniform accounts

 Every public utility shall keep and render to the Commission, in the manner and form prescribed by the Commission, uniform accounts of all business transacted. Every public utility engaged directly or indirectly in any other business than that of the conduct of a public utility as defined in this chapter, shall, if required by the Commission, keep and render separately to the Commission in like manner and form the accounts of all such other business, in which case all the provisions of this chapter shall apply with like force and effect to the books, accounts, papers, and records of such other business.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 6 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 6. Form of accounts prescribed by Commission

 The Commission may prescribe the forms of all books, accounts, papers and records required to be kept, and every public utility is required to keep and render its books, accounts, papers, and records accurately and faithfully in the manner and form prescribed by the Commission, and to comply with all directions of the Commission relating to such books, accounts, papers, and records.
V.I. Code tit. 30, § 7 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 30 - Public Service|Chapter 1 - Public Utilities Generally|Subchapter I - Public Utilities|§ 7. Office in Virgin Islands

 Each public utility shall have an office within the Virgin Islands in which it shall keep all such books, accounts, papers, and records as shall be required by the Commission to be kept within the Virgin Islands. No books, accounts, papers, or records required by the commission to be kept within the Virgin Islands shall be at any time removed therefrom, except on such condition as may be prescribed by the Commission: provided, that public utilities operating in the Virgin Islands and elsewhere who have their general or executive offices outside of the Islands, may continue to keep their books, accounts, records, and so forth, at their executive or general offices, such public utilities being required, however, to produce before the Commission such books, accounts, records, and papers from time to time as the Commission may order.