STATE WANTS TO "TAKE-OVER" FAILING WATER-SEWAGE OPERATIONS

(06/07/2007)

West Virginia lawmakers are considering a proposal to give the state sweeping powers over utilities that provide water and sewer service. That power could mean state take-over of failing or mismanaged water and sewer systems. There are hundreds of failing utilities in West Virginia, many of them in rural counties. Rural counties often have several operating PSDs, all fighting to maintain their autonomy, with some saying merger would make the systems more efficient. The proposed measure would allow the Public Service Commission to identify failing utilities and order them to be taken over by more successful utilities. It would also allow the PSC to take over failing utilities by eminent domain. The legislative committee wants to have draft legislation ready by January.

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