HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 38

(By Delegates Howell, Clark, Crouse, DeVault, Dittman, Fehrenbacher, A. Hall, Hanna, Hornbuckle, Hornby, Hott, Marple, Pinson, Sheedy, Skaff, Storch, Street, Thorne, and Willis)

February 16, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Committee on Rules

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance engage in a study concerning the construction of welcome centers on roads that are part of the Appalachian Development Highways system.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia contains many beautiful, scenic roadways that attract multitudes of visitors and tourists each year; and

Whereas, The Appalachian Development Highway System (hereinafter "ADHS") is an integral part of the roadways in West Virginia and serves as a link to national interstates and provides access to the roadways showcasing West Virginia's natural beauty; and

Whereas, First impressions upon entering West Virginia are very important and welcome centers are an appreciated sight when crossing into our state; and

Whereas, Placing welcome centers on all ADHS roadways as they enter West Virginia will provide a welcoming ambience to travelers as they make their way into or through West Virginia; and

Whereas, These welcome centers could possibly spread to other noninterstate, 4-lane roadways throughout the state to increase the spread of that ambience and welcoming attitude; and

Whereas, New welcome centers could be operated and staffed with assistance and in collaboration with other Convention and Visitors Bureau (hereinafter "CVB") sites in the region; and

Whereas, To increase the welcoming message and location-specific beauty of each site, these welcome centers will have visual attractions based on local flora, fauna, and other aspects of the culture within that area of West Virginia; and

Whereas, Shipping via trucks is an integral part of our nation's supply chain and having clear, prominent signage for truck parking at these welcome centers will help that supply chain function more smoothly and effectively; and

Whereas, In addition to this signage, each new welcome center will have additional truck parking areas to provide space for the rest and relaxation of the truck drivers serving our state so that they may meet all federal rest requirements; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the cost and benefit of the introduction of welcome centers containing site specific visual attractions, proper truck parking signage, and ample truck parking within the welcome center's parking area be built along ADHS highways, and possibly other noninterstate, 4-lane highways. This study will address the feasibility of the welcome center's staffing and maintenance being a collaboration with other CVB sites; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2024, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation 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 be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.