The 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 legislation expands the authority of the Water Development Authority to provide loans and grants to both public and non-governmental public utilities, while also establishing rights and remedies for enforcing loan agreements. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining public utilities and allows for the leasing or conveyance of property to the Water Development Authority.

Moreover, the bill addresses the urgent need for rehabilitating and replacing existing water treatment and distribution infrastructure, asserting that effective operation and maintenance are essential for protecting investments and ensuring reasonable utility rates. It authorizes rulemaking related to the Water Development Authority and outlines procedures for collecting funds due to the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. The legislation also creates a Distressed Utilities Account for the acquisition and improvement of failing water and wastewater systems, with provisions for grants covering up to 100% of repair costs. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's capacity to manage water resources effectively while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

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