Bill > HB4018

This bill modifies existing law to grant the State Resiliency Officer the authority to disburse funds from the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund, commonly referred to as the Flood Fund, for the purpose of implementing the state's Flood Resiliency Plan. These disbursements can be made to individuals, state agencies, political subdivisions (like counties or cities), or local organizations, and the amounts and methods of distribution will be determined by the State Resiliency Officer as outlined in the plan. The bill emphasizes that all assistance must aim to build flood resiliency against current and future flood disasters, and while the State Resiliency Officer manages the fund, requisitions for payment require their approval. Importantly, disbursements must be for valid flood resiliency activities prioritized in the most recent Flood Resiliency Plan, which has been reviewed and approved by the State Resiliency Office Board. The bill also specifies that funds can be used for enhancing flood prevention, safety, or protection, and allows the State Resiliency Office to cover its own management costs. It prioritizes benefiting low-income areas or those with a history of frequent flooding and allows funds to be used for nature-based solutions, including acquiring properties in flood-prone areas and assisting with relocations. Furthermore, political subdivisions seeking funds may be required to adopt specific measures like updated road and bridge standards, flood hazard bylaws, local Hazard Mitigation Plans, Emergency Operations Plans, and achieve a certain rating in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) to demonstrate their commitment to flood preparedness. Ultimately, the prioritization and conditions for these disbursements are at the discretion of the State Resiliency Officer, subject to the approval of the State Resiliency Office Board.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4018&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill