Bill > HB5202

This bill expands access to loan and grant funding from the Water Development Authority (WDA) to non-governmental public utilities, which are defined as entities operating water or wastewater facilities as a public service that are regulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC) or required to file their tariffs with it. This aims to assist these utilities in addressing distressed public water systems. The bill also clarifies that "project" in the context of water development can now include facilities acquired or constructed by a public utility, and allows for loan agreements with public utilities to include terms appropriate for their specific characteristics, beyond traditional security instruments like deeds of trust. Furthermore, it enables the WDA to provide loans and grants to non-governmental public utilities and allows for the refinancing of existing debt for water development projects when combined with new project financing. The bill also makes provisions for the PSC to recommend the release of grant repayment obligations and the assumption of loan obligations by a non-governmental public utility when it acquires assets from a governmental agency that received WDA funding, and allows for the WDA to propose rules to facilitate these arrangements. Finally, it clarifies that for-profit entities directed by the PSC to acquire or rehabilitate distressed or failing utilities are eligible for certain loan rate concessions and funding from specific accounts, and that such utilities must demonstrate they maintain a working capital reserve to be eligible for state funding.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5202&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill