This bill seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the West Virginia Code concerning the administration of the state's drinking water treatment revolving fund and the Water Development Authority. It introduces new definitions, including "public utility" and "non-governmental public utility," to clarify the entities operating water and wastewater facilities under the Public Service Commission's jurisdiction. The bill enhances the authority of the Water Development Authority to provide loans and grants to both governmental and non-governmental public utilities, thereby improving access to funding for public water utilities. It also emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure rehabilitation and outlines the rights and remedies for enforcing loan agreements, while mandating the maintenance of public utilities.

Additionally, the bill expands the authority's powers and responsibilities, allowing it to construct, maintain, and finance water development projects. It specifies that loan agreements with public utilities must include enforceable repayment terms and grants the authority the ability to adopt rules for making loans and grants. The legislation also establishes a Distressed Utilities Account to fund the acquisition and repair of failing water systems and creates a Critical Needs and Failing Systems Sub Account within the Infrastructure Fund to address urgent water service needs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational framework for water development and public utility management in West Virginia, ensuring better financing options and improved infrastructure for water services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-36-1, 22-36-5, 22C-1-2, 22C-1-3, 22C-1-5, 22C-1-6, 22C-1-17, 22C-1-22, 22C-2-1, 22C-2-5, 24-1-1, 24-2H-8, 31-15A-4, 31-15A-9, 31-15A-17c, 22C-1-7a