Bill
HB 5667
The bill authorizes targeted transfers from the Water Development Authority and Department of Economic Development to specific projects or recipients to advance water infrastructur
HB 5667 (West Virginia, 2026) — Directed Transfer from Water Development Authority and Department of Economic Development
Overview
- Purpose: The bill authorizes targeted, directed transfers of funds or resources from two state entities—the Water Development Authority (WDA) and the Department of Economic Development (DED)—to specific projects, programs, or recipients as determined by the Legislature or through designated administrative processes. The aim appears to facilitate prioritized investments or programmatic support aligned with water infrastructure, economic development, or related public outcomes.
- Sponsors: House members with multiple co-sponsors, including Elías Coop-González, Chuck Sheedy, Stan Adkins, Marshall Clay, Chris Anders, Lisa White, Bill Flanigan, Dave Foggin, Josh Holstein, and Corby Dillon.
Key Provisions (anticipated structure based on title and typical WV practice)
- Directed Transfers: The bill would establish authority for the Legislature or state agencies to direct transfers from WDA and DED funds or resources to specific projects or entities, potentially outside of the standard appropriation process.
- Scope of Transfers: Transfers may cover capital projects, grants, subsidies, loans, or other financial assistance intended to promote water infrastructure improvements or economic development initiatives.
- Eligibility and Recipients: The bill would specify criteria for eligible recipients (e.g., local governments, utilities, economic development nonprofits, private developers for public-purpose projects) and any application, review, or approval processes.
- Conditions and Accountability: The bill would establish reporting, oversight, and accountability mechanisms to ensure funds are used for approved purposes, with possible requirements for milestones, performance measures, or audits.
- Interaction with Existing Programs: The bill may clarify how directed transfers interact with current WDA and DED programs, including any limitations on duplicative funding or compliance with federal/state laws.
Who is Affected
- Primary: State agencies (Water Development Authority and Department of Economic Development) that would implement and administer directed transfers.
- Local governments, utilities, developers, and Economic Development organizations seeking funding for projects aligned with water infrastructure or economic development priorities.
- Taxpayers and residents may be indirectly affected due to public investments and potential impacts on state budget allocations, project prioritization, and accountability requirements.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Legislative Path: Filed for introduction on 2026-02-17; referrals to Energy and Public Works and then Finance; subsequent House consideration with committee involvement.
- Potential Timelines: If enacted, implementation would depend on appropriation cycles, rulemaking or policy guidance, and established reporting intervals. The bill could set deadlines for requests, approval windows, and funding release schedules, though exact dates are not specified in available text.
Notes and Considerations
- The title suggests a mechanism to direct funds from WDA and DED, which may bypass or modify standard budgeting and grant-making processes. Readers should look for:
- Specific dollar amounts or funding caps (if any).
- Eligible project types and geographic scope.
- Required legislative authorization for each transfer.
- Reporting and sunset provisions, if any.
- Compliance with other statutory requirements (procurement, bid rules, environmental reviews).
Recommendation for readers
- To understand the bill’s concrete impact, review the final enacted language for:
- Definitions of “directed transfer” and eligible recipients.
- The total appropriation baseline and any fiscal notes.
- Procedural steps for approval, as well as oversight and audit provisions.
- Monitor committee hearings and fiscal impact statements for clarifications on funding amounts and implementation timelines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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