(a) Notwithstanding any anticompetitive effect, the County Commissioners of Somerset County may grant an exclusive franchise to a ferry company to operate between Somerset County and Reedville, Virginia.

(b) Before granting a franchise, the County Commissioners of Somerset County shall review the proposed business and financial plan of the ferry company.

(c) The County Commissioners of Somerset County may adopt regulations to carry out this section that are consistent with any regulations adopted by the Public Service Commission that relate to ferry companies.

(d) If the ferry company does not exercise the franchise within 18 months after it is granted, the franchise becomes void.

(e) A ferry company may not conduct gaming activities on a ferry that it operates under a franchise granted under this section.