The bill seeks to reform West Virginia's water infrastructure systems by amending various sections of the state's code and introducing new provisions. It grants the Department of Environmental Protection administrative authority over the West Virginia Drinking Water Treatment Revolving Fund and the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, while allowing private utilities to access low-interest loans through the Water Development Authority, with a priority for public utilities. The bill also renames the Distressed and Failing Utilities Improvement Act to the Distressed and Failing Water and Wastewater Utilities Improvement Act, mandates reporting to municipal governing bodies, and requires training for those overseeing public water and wastewater utilities. Additionally, it establishes a voluntary Early Intervention Pilot Program for public utilities, modifies the watch list process, and sets a mandatory improvement period for utilities on the list.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions related to private utilities and their projects, modifies the governance structure of the Water Development Authority, and emphasizes compliance with water management plans and environmental standards. It outlines the responsibilities of municipal governing bodies in overseeing distressed utilities, mandates annual reporting, and establishes training requirements for waterworks systems. The bill also creates a framework for Regional Cooperative Agreements among utilities, introduces procedures for public hearings regarding utility status, and streamlines the acquisition process for distressed utilities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management, funding, and operational efficiency of water and wastewater infrastructure projects in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-36-1, 22-36-3, 22-36-4, 22-36-5, 22C-1-3, 22C-1-4, 22C-1-5, 22C-1-6a, 22C-1-8, 22C-2-1, 22C-2-3, 22C-2-4, 22C-2-5, 24-2H-1, 24-2H-3, 24-2H-4, 24-2H-5, 24-2H-6, 24-2H-7, 24-2H-8, 31-15A-1, 31-15A-2, 31-15A-3, 31-15A-10, 31-15A-13, 31-15A-17, 22C-1-5a, 24-2H-3a, 24-2H-3b, 24-2H-3c, 24-2H-4a, 24-2H-7a, 31-15A-3a, 31-15A-9a
Committee Substitute: 22-36-1, 22-36-3, 22-36-4, 22-36-5, 22C-1-3, 22C-1-4, 22C-2-1, 22C-2-3, 22C-2-4, 22C-2-5, 24-2H-1, 24-2H-3, 24-2H-4, 24-2H-5, 24-2H-6, 24-2H-7, 24-2H-8, 31-15A-2, 31-15A-10, 22C-1-5a, 24-2H-3a, 24-2H-3b, 24-2H-3c, 24-2H-4a, 24-2H-7a, 31-15A-3a, 31-15A-9a