The state Supreme Court has voided the state Economic Development Grant Committee.

But today's ruling upheld the committee's basic function of funding job- and community-boosting projects with grants backed by public bonds.

The 3-to-2 ruling will affect 35 projects in 22 counties approved for a total of 215 (m) million dollars worth of grants last year.

The justices disapproved of the way the Legislature provided for

the appointment of the nine-member committee, and found fault with

the grant approval process.

The opinion says that due to constitutional failings, the committee's approval of various grant applications is of no force and effect.

While the ruling found fault with the process used to appoint members, it approved of such a committee providing economic development funds.

The ruling appears to clear the way for lawmakers to restructure

the committee to pass constitutional muster.

The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by a citizens group challenging the legality of the committee. The group appealed a Kanawha County Circuit judge's January ruling upholding the bulk of the committee's work.