Altering Conditions for Flood Resiliency Disbursements

SB 390 seeks to alter the conditions for how funds from the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Trust Fund are disbursed by modernizing and improving how flood resiliency funding is deployed across West Virginia, including prioritizing vulnerable communities and proactive mitigation actions in response to recent and future flood risks.

Sponsors: Randy Smith

ISSUES: Development, Pure Water

CWV Position: Opposes

Position Statement: Conservation West Virginia opposes SB 390 because it weakens the effectiveness of flood resiliency funding by altering eligibility and disbursement conditions in ways that may prioritize speed or flexibility over science-based planning and long-term risk reduction. The bill risks directing limited flood mitigation dollars toward short-term or poorly targeted projects, rather than investments that protect watersheds, reduce downstream flooding, and build climate resilience. At a time of increasing flood frequency and severity, West Virginia needs stronger—not looser—standards to ensure public funds are used for projects that deliver lasting environmental and community protection.

Status: Introduced on 1/15/26; referred to House Government Organization Committee 1/30/26.