West Virginia Can Invest in Flood Resiliency

Among West Virginia’s leaders, there is widespread, bipartisan agreement that the state needs to prioritize resiliency to help tackle its biggest disaster risk: flooding.

In March 2023, state lawmakers approved a mandate to develop and implement a new statewide resiliency plan. They also set up two trust funds to help West Virginia’s communities recover from flooding and to invest in activities that help prevent future flood impacts.

Although this was an important first step, the job is not finished. The plan and its new programs must now be funded.

West Virginia lawmakers are likely to have a significant budget surplus to work with during a probable special legislative session this summer. This is a clear opportunity for the state to prioritize resiliency so West Virginians don’t see their tax dollars spent on costly cleanup and recovery in the future.

Flooding affects all corners of West Virginia

All 55 counties and 32 major watersheds have felt the effects of flooding, including loss of life and property. New funding will help communities fight back.

The Flood Resiliency Trust Fund can jumpstart projects that limit future disasters

A fully funded Flood Resiliency Trust Fund would pump $40 million into projects and programs that curb the effects of future flooding.

The Disaster Recovery Trust Fund can help communities get back on their feet after a flood

The Disaster Recovery Trust Fund, if fully funded, would ensure that communities can access the resources they need to kick-start recovery and provide the matching dollars required to tap into federal support.

Trust fund investments will go to those most in need

All West Virginians stand to benefit from the new trust funds, but half of the money will go to low-income communities that historically are disproportionately affected by flooding.

Resiliency makes good fiscal sense for West Virginia

Major credit ratings agencies warn that inland flood risk may affect state and municipal bond ratings. Investing in resiliency now helps reduce financial risk later, making it a smart investment for West Virginia.