Highway report: Needs great, funds short

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than one-third of West Virginia’s highway system is in poor condition with current funding streams insufficient to make repairs or build new roads, the state Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways concluded in a report released Wednesday.

MORE: Read commission’s full report

The 58-page report—nearly three years in the making—claims that driving on rough roads costs the average West Virginia motorist $333 a year in vehicle repairs. it would take $1.1 billion a year to fix those highways and expand the current system. The report said the state Road Fund has remained stagnant for several years and Congress continues to approve band-aid approaches to highway funding instead of a multi-year funding plan, leaving states searching for ways to generate additional revenue.

The Blue Ribbon report makes several recommendations including increasing the motor vehicle sales tax from its current 5 percent to 6 percent, which would match the state sales tax; raising Division of Motor Vehicle fees; and creating an alternative fuel vehicle registration fee. While those recommendations would create an additional $141 million annually, the panel said it would fall well short of the estimated $1.1 billion needed to properly maintain the state’s highways.

The most lucrative recommendation is using tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike to finance $1 billion in construction bonds. The current bonds on the Turnpike are scheduled to be paid off in 2019 at which time current legislation mandates the tolls be removed. The commission argues for keeping the tolls on the 88-mile highway, claiming 74 percent of the tolls are paid by out-of-state motorists.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin established the commission in August 2012. The panel worked through most of 2013, seeking expert testimony, studying public opinion and examining funding mechanisms from neighboring states.





More News

News
One injured in Wood County helicopter crash
The person was taken to the hospital by a medical helicopter.
March 18, 2024 - 8:30 pm
News
Man charged in woman's death in Pocahontas County
Police said suspect and victim were "covered in blood."
March 18, 2024 - 8:15 pm
News
WVU officials work to help students recover following The Lofts blaze
Blaze occurred Friday morning.
March 18, 2024 - 8:06 pm
News
Person found dead in car at Beckley Elementary School parking lot
Beckley police are investigating.
March 18, 2024 - 7:05 pm