Virginia Senate Bill SB1468

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Report Pass: 1/24/23
• Engrossed: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/13/23
• Report Pass: 2/13/23
• Engrossed: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 2/20/23
• Enrolled: 2/23/23
• Chaptered: 3/22/23
• Passed: 3/22/23

Caption

Coal and Gas Road Improvement Fund; funds may be used to construct flood mitigation measures.

Impact

The bill's passage embodies a progressive alteration in how local governments can utilize revenue generated from gas severance taxes. With the revised law, localities now have the authority to allocate fiscal resources towards improving their infrastructure relative to both roadway enhancements and protective measures against flooding. This dual approach to addressing infrastructure challenges can potentially lead to enhanced safety, efficiency, and community resilience in the face of environmental issues.

Summary

SB1468 amends §58.1-3713 of the Code of Virginia to allow counties and cities to utilize funds from the Coal and Gas Road Improvement Fund for constructing flood mitigation measures. This change broadens the scope of the places where these funds can be allocated, ensuring that they can combat flooding threats to essential infrastructure while continuing to support road improvements. Countless local authorities are likely to benefit from the enhanced flexibility in fund usage for local conditions and needs regarding both road and waterway infrastructure.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1468 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by its unanimous passage in the Senate with a vote of 40-0. Supporters likely perceive the bill as a crucial step toward local empowerment, granting municipalities the ability to better allocate resources to address pressing needs, particularly in flood-prone areas. By enabling local authorities to undertake flood mitigation efforts, proponents argue it strengthens the capacity of local government to respond to environmental challenges effectively.

Contention

Despite the favorable reception, some points of contention may arise regarding the potential for misallocation of funds or the impact of increased local fiscal autonomy. Critics may highlight the necessity of oversight to ensure that funds are used appropriately and not diverted from critical road improvements to discretionary projects. Furthermore, debates could center on ensuring that flood mitigation measures do not overshadow essential road maintenance and development, emphasizing balanced resource allocation within counties and cities.