VA Community Flood Preparedness Fund; Advisory Review Committee to assist in distribution of loans.
Impact
The bill mandates that at least 25% of the disbursed funds must be used for projects in low-income geographic areas. Additionally, localities are allowed to secure loans by placing liens against properties benefiting from the loan, providing financial flexibility for flood prevention projects. With a focus on community-scale hazard mitigation that employs nature-based solutions, the fund is envisioned to bolster the resilience of both inland and coastal communities facing significant flood risks.
Summary
House Bill 948 establishes the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund, which aims to enhance flood prevention and protection throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill allows for the creation and management of this fund, with resources coming from various state and federal sources, as well as repayments from loans made to local governments. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to enable localities to implement flood mitigation projects in areas that face recurrent flooding, ensuring a proactive approach to climate-related challenges.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 948 is how effectively the funding will be allocated to ensure equitable access for all communities, particularly those in low-income areas. There may be discussions regarding the efficacy of the overarching criteria for project prioritization and how well the Advisory Review Committee, tasked with overseeing fund distribution, will operate. Ensuring transparency in the funding process and addressing the needs of all communities will be critical for the bill's acceptance and success.
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possibility of combining certain programs related to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (“DHHR”), Workforce West Virginia, and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System
Requesting the study of the possibility of combining certain programs related to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (“DHHR”), Workforce West Virginia, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System to create “one-stop shop” for applicants be admitted into higher education programs.
Requesting the Joint Committee on Education and the Joint Committee on Health to study the cause and possible solutions to the issues surrounding the supply of current and demand for future emergency service personnel, including emergency medical technicians and paramedics in West Virginia.