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HB 5272

Appropriations from the state Revenue Shortfall Fund and the Income Tax Reserve Fund be utilized to initiate investments in flood prevention initiatives to reduce the impact of severe flooding

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Hansen and 2 co-sponsors

West Virginia redirects revenue shortfall and income tax reserve funds to finance flood prevention infrastructure to mitigate severe flooding damage statewide.

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Bill Summary · HB 5272

Legislative bill overview

HB 5272 directs West Virginia to allocate funds from the state Revenue Shortfall Fund and Income Tax Reserve Fund toward flood prevention infrastructure and initiatives. The bill aims to reduce damage and losses from severe flooding events by investing in protective measures and mitigation strategies statewide.

Why is this important

West Virginia experiences recurring flood damage that affects communities, infrastructure, and economic stability. Proactive flood prevention investments can reduce emergency response costs, protect property and lives, and may prove more cost-effective than repeated disaster recovery efforts. This represents a policy choice to use reserve funds for infrastructure resilience rather than other priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Reserve fund depletion concerns: Using emergency reserve funds for capital projects may limit the state's financial cushion during economic downturns or unexpected crises
  • Project selection and accountability: Questions about which flood prevention initiatives receive funding, how effectiveness is measured, and whether local versus statewide projects are prioritized
  • Competing budget priorities: Other state needs (education, healthcare, transportation) may compete for the same revenue shortfall and reserve funds
  • Implementation timeline: Unclear whether flood prevention projects can be designed, approved, and deployed efficiently before additional flood events occur

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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