West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB176

Introduced
1/10/24  
Engrossed
1/12/24  
Refer
1/15/24  

Caption

Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund

Impact

If enacted, SB176 is anticipated to have significant implications for state laws regarding water and wastewater services. By increasing the financial cap on project costs eligible for grants and loans, the bill is designed to facilitate better funding access for crucial water infrastructure projects. This could lead to improved reliability of water services across regions that have been struggling with outdated and failing systems. The focus on immediate critical needs underscores the bill's intent to safeguard public health and enhance water service delivery.

Summary

Senate Bill 176 aims to amend existing provisions related to the permissible expenditures by the Water Development Authority from the Infrastructure Fund in West Virginia. The bill specifically seeks to modify the upper limits on the amount of funds that can be transferred to a designated subaccount, known as the Critical Needs and Failing Systems Sub Account. This change will enable the authority to grant infrastructure funds to projects aimed at upgrading water and wastewater facilities, ultimately to reduce maintenance and operational costs as well as to address waterline leakages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB176 appears to be largely positive, especially among stakeholders in the water management sector. Supporters of the bill, which include various legislators and public health advocates, view it as a necessary response to existing challenges related to water infrastructure. They argue that the bill will lead to more efficient allocation of resources for pressing issues, thus promising improvements in both service reliability and community health standards.

Contention

Nonetheless, there are potential points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the allocation process of the available funds. Critics might raise concerns about transparency and accountability in how the grants and loans are distributed. The provisions that allow the authority to bypass certain limitations on grant allocations may also invite scrutiny, especially from those who advocate for equitable funding practices across all communities. Therefore, ensuring a fair and structured approach to project selections will be crucial as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB31

Relating to permissible expenditures by Water Development Authority from Infrastructure Fund

WV HB3197

Creating the Legislative Infrastructure Commission

WV HB3031

Eliminating West Virginia Greyhound Breeding Development Fund

WV HB2283

Relating to authorized expenditures of revenues from certain state funds for fire departments

WV HB2380

Relating to School Building Authority

WV SB683

Changing name of School Building Authority to School Maintenance Authority

WV HB2232

Relating to the transfer of certain revenues derived from lottery activities generally, restoring distribution to the West Virginia Infrastructure Fund to 2013 rates and decreasing the funds available for grants therefrom

WV HB2060

Create special revenue fund for Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council

WV HB2202

Creating the WV Community Development Equity Fund

WV SB561

Relating to administration of WV Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.