SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 41
(By Senators Love, Ross, Ball, Dittmar, Oliverio,
Schoonover, Wiedebusch, Buckalew and McKenzie)
[Originating in the Committee on Transportation]
Requesting the joint committee on government and finance and the
division of highways to make a study of effective procedures
for authorizing the commissioner of highways to take emergency
action to open roads not owned or maintained by the state and
commonly known as orphan roads.
Whereas, Many citizens of West Virginia reside on roads not
owned or maintained by the state and otherwise known as orphan
roads; and
Whereas, Inclement weather and circumstances arising from acts
of God, often placed such citizens in harm's way; and
Whereas, Access for emergency rescue vehicles, medical care
and other sources of assistance, including friends and family, may
be limited or denied because of hazardous conditions; and
Whereas, Current procedures for initiating emergency action to
open orphan roads for emergency assistance is sometimes cumbersome
and may be subject to refinement; and
Whereas, The division of highways has expressed willingness to
examine current procedures seeking ways to facilitate assistance in
emergency conditions; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance and the
division of highways are hereby jointly requested to conduct a
study of current procedures for emergency access to orphan roads
and to develop legislation or legislative rules, or both,
authorizing the division of highways to take appropriate action to
access orphan roads under emergency conditions; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the clerk of the Senate is directed to
send copies of this resolution to the division of highways; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation or legislative rules, or both, necessary to
effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation or
legislative rules, or both, be paid from legislative appropriations
to the joint committee on government and finance.