MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One member of the WV Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways said the report missed the mark on recommendations for local fees to help fund the estimated $1.1 billion it will take to improve existing roads in the state and add to West Virginia’s infrastructure.
“We should’ve done a better job of that. Perhaps in phase two of this study, this report will take that up and give it some serious consideration,” he projected.
Beach serves on the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He said he attended almost every meeting the Blue Ribbon Commission held to gather information on problem roads, funding shortages and revenue ideas to support the state highway system.
Those meetings started in 2012 after Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin ordered a group to study transportation needs. Upon the release of the study Wednesday, Beach said it can serve as a road map for lawmakers next legislative session.
“I think if we look at these things here that we have in this report seriously and take in the bond opportunity that I believe exists, I think we can get to our goal of $1.2 billion,” said Beach.
The 58-page report includes a suggestion to extend tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike to fund construction bonds. Those tolls are supposed to be lifted in 2019.
The report also recommends increasing the motor vehicle sales tax and DMV fees along with assessing an annual registration fee on alternate fuel vehicles. A fourth suggestion is to look into other taxes to generate road funding.
Beach said constituents seem fed up enough with rough roads to support some fee increases.
“Countless times I’ve had people say if it means a fee just do it. Let’s move forward with getting our roads patched and, more importantly, get them paved.”
As election season approaches, Beach said it won’t be easy for all legislators to support increased costs on voters. For instance, he’s opposed to at least one tax hike.
“I personally would not be in favor of a gas tax. We’ve been one of the highest in the United States for many, many years. Everyone else is just catching up to us. I’d hate to be the guy that pushes above that line now,” vowed Beach.
The Blue Ribbon Report found more than one-third (36 percent) of West Virginia’s major roads are either in poor or mediocre condition. Twelve percent have pavements in poor condition while 24 percent of the state’s major roads are rated in mediocre condition.
It expanded into even worse news said Beach.
“This report also goes into our bridges. We have 7,000 bridges here in West Virginia and 75 percent are deficient.”
It took more than two years for the report to be released.