Lawmakers Propose $20 Million for Clean Water in Southern West Virginia

After initially promising $250 million, lawmakers scale back funding to address long-standing drinking water issues in the coalfields.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Lawmakers in West Virginia have introduced bills that would provide $20 million in funding for clean drinking water projects in the southern coalfield counties, a fraction of the $250 million initially proposed. The reduced funding comes despite pleas from residents who have long struggled with contaminated and unreliable water supplies, with some spending hundreds of dollars per month on bottled water. While lawmakers cite concerns over the state's budget and bond ratings, advocates argue the $20 million is woefully inadequate to address the scale of the problem, which could cost over $287 million in just four counties.

Why it matters

Access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, but residents in West Virginia's southern coalfield counties have been denied this basic necessity for decades. The lack of investment in water infrastructure has had severe impacts on public health, with many families forced to rely on filters, bottled water, and even contaminated tap water. This issue highlights the persistent inequities faced by rural and low-income communities, as well as the need for bold, sustained action to address longstanding environmental injustices.

The details

The initial proposal from lawmakers would have allocated $250 million from the state's Rainy Day Fund to address water issues in nine southern counties. However, this plan faced resistance, and the current bills only provide $20 million in funding - a mere fraction of the original proposal. One bill would establish a $10 million fund for 13 counties, while another could add an additional $10 million. Advocates argue that this level of funding is woefully inadequate, as the outstanding water projects in just four counties would cost $287 million. They warn that incremental steps will not solve the crisis, and that bold, immediate action is needed to ensure all residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.

  • In early 2026, lawmakers initially proposed a $250 million plan to address water issues.
  • Last week, a bill was filed that would only provide $10 million in funding.
  • On Tuesday, another bill was introduced that could add an additional $10 million, bringing the total potential funding to $20 million.

The players

Del. Anitra Hamliton

A Democratic state delegate who introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to tap the Rainy Day Fund for a water emergency, though she did not include a specific dollar amount.

Del. David Green

A Republican state delegate who initially supported the $250 million proposal but now backs the $10 million bill, citing concerns over the state's budget and bond ratings.

Del. Adam Vance

The lead sponsor on the $10 million bill for 13 counties, though he acknowledges the funding is not enough to fully address the problem.

Brad Davis

A Methodist pastor and community organizer in McDowell County who argues the $10 million proposal will not even cover the paperwork needed for the necessary water projects.

From Below

An activist group advocating for clean water in the southern coalfields of West Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“As a parishioner of mine said, who also happens to be a public service district member, '$10 million will not get the paperwork filed for all of the work that needs to be done across those 13 counties.'”

— Brad Davis, Methodist pastor and community organizer (Mountain State Spotlight)

“We don't have the time to wait for that. People are dying now. People are getting sick and people are dying. People can't use the water. It's 2026, in the wealthiest nation in the world. Let's somehow, some way, find a way to address it and to fix it.”

— Brad Davis, Methodist pastor and community organizer (Mountain State Spotlight)

“It's not a cure-all. It's not the exact thing that's going to secure it. But right now, we have nothing.”

— Del. Adam Vance, State delegate (Mountain State Spotlight)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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