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Bill

HB 5525

To create the “Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund” to be used in water emergencies or to upgrade infrastructure so residences can get clean water.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jordan Bridges and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a dedicated Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund to finance water emergency responses and infrastructure upgrades so residents have access to clean water.

On 2nd reading, House Calendar
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Bill Summary · HB 5525

Summary of HB 5525 (2026 Session, West Virginia)

Title

To create the “Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund” to be used in water emergencies or to upgrade infrastructure so residences can get clean water.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a dedicated fund, the Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund, intended to:
    • Address water emergencies in the Southern region of West Virginia.
    • Support upgrades and improvements to water infrastructure so residents have access to clean water.

Key Provisions (Substantive Provisions Not Explicitly Spelled Out in Text Provided)

Note: The full legislative text is not fully legible in the provided excerpt. The summary below reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical elements such bills include. If enacted, the department or agency designated by the bill would likely be responsible for administering the fund and approving projects.

  1. Creation of a Fund

    • Establishment of a dedicated financial mechanism (the “Southern West Virginia Clean Water Fund”) to finance water-related projects.

  2. Eligible Uses

    • Respond to water emergencies in the targeted region.
    • Upgrade or expand water infrastructure to ensure residents receive clean and safe drinking water.
    • Potentially cover planning, construction, equipment purchases, and related capital projects tied to water supply improvements.

  3. Administration and Governance (typical framework)

    • Likely creation or designation of an administering agency or authority.
    • Eligibility criteria for projects and applicants (e.g., municipalities, counties, water utilities, or similar entities).
    • Standards for project selection, prioritization, and compliance with applicable water quality and environmental requirements.
    • Requirements for reporting, auditing, and oversight.

  4. Funding and Financial Details (typical components)

    • Source of funds (state appropriations, bonds, grants, or transfers from other funds).
    • Authorized expenditures, loan terms, interest rates, repayment provisions (if loans are included).
    • Reversion or sunset provisions, if any, and process for reallocating unused funds.

  5. Oversight and Accountability

    • Reporting to the Legislature or appropriate committee.
    • Provisions to ensure funds are used for declared purposes and prevent misallocation.

Affected Parties

  • Residents of Southern West Virginia regions facing water insecurity or infrastructure deficits.
  • Municipalities, water utilities, and local governments responsible for water systems in the targeted areas.
  • State agencies charged with administering and disbursing funds, and any state-level environmental or public health oversight entities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • House actions: Introduced February 13, 2026; referred to Energy and Public Works, then Finance; subsequent amendments and discharge shown in March 2026.
  • Committee actions:
    • February 18, 2026: Markup discussion.
    • March 4, 2026: Committee discharged as to Energy and Public Works; motion to discharge from committee adopted (Roll No. 346); bill moved onward.
    • March 4, 2026: Constitutional Rule dispensed with, enabling faster advancement.
  • Calendar status: On February 13, 2026, placed in committee and later placed on House Calendar; on March 5, 2026, noted as on 2nd reading, Special Calendar, and placed on House Calendar for consideration.
  • Sponsors: A broad coalition of House members serving as co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber interest.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Positive impacts:
    • Provides a targeted funding source to address urgent water reliability and safety needs in Southern West Virginia.
    • Enables faster deployment of infrastructure upgrades, potentially reducing public health risks and improving water quality.
  • Implementation considerations:
    • Clear definitions of eligible projects and recipients to avoid scope creep.
    • Adequate oversight, reporting, and accountability to ensure funds are used as intended.
    • Coordination with local utilities and municipalities to align with existing water projects and regulatory requirements.

Notes

  • The bill text provided appears to be partially garbled in formatting, but the core objective is the creation of a dedicated fund for clean water emergencies and infrastructure upgrades in a specified region.
  • For a complete understanding, review the final printed bill language, including sections detailing fund administration, sources of revenue, eligibility criteria, project selection, terms of any loans or grants, and reporting requirements.

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

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