FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 29, 2016
Time Requested: 03:36 PM
Agency: Highways, Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1727 Introduced HB4222
CBD Subject: Roads and Transportation


FUND(S):



Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund State Road Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The proposed legislation provides for the elimination of the tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike and the cost to operate and maintain the 88 miles would be incurred by the West Virginia Division of Highways. Based on the West Virginia Legislative Auditor, Performance Evaluation & Research Division report titled Agency Review Parkways Authority Department of Transportation (January 2014 PE 13-17-553), maintaining and operating the West Virginia Turnpike as a toll-free road could cost the State an estimated $30.4 million per year. The cost to maintain the State Police on the West Virginia Turnpike is estimated at $2 million per year. Therefore, the total cost would be $32.4 million per year



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2016
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2017
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 324,000,000
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


See Fiscal Note Summary above for information regarding the fiscal impact of this bill on the State of West Virginia



Memorandum


The WVDOH, per the legislation, is required to conduct an initial assessment to determine compliance and identify any discrepancies that need to be corrected not later than January 1, 2017, and shall thereafter monitor all action to meet compliance requirements. The WVDOH shall conduct a follow-up assessment to determine whether or not the West Virginia Turnpike substantially complies with quality standards. The Commissioner of the WVDOH shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations from the assessments. In consideration of the current level of documentation and the frequency it is updated, it is not anticipated any significant cost would be incurred to evaluate the condition of the West Virginia Turnpike and prepare the required report. The proposed legislation indicates all the Parkways Authority employees dedicated to highway maintenance and upkeep shall be transferred to employment by the WVDOH. There are 145 employees in the Maintenance Department and with salaries and benefits this would be an additional cost to be paid from revenues supported by state taxpayers in excess of $10 million. The WVDOH would propose to increase its quota to accommodate the necessary maintenance staff and also consider filling other WVDOH positions currently vacant within the three county areas the WV Turnpike traverses. Any adjustments to staffing levels would occur through attrition. Based on recent pay adjustments to maintenance workers within the WVDOH, the pay differential between the Parkways Authority and the WVDOH has been reduced. The proposed legislation creates a “Turnpike Transition Fund” for depositing toll revenues after the bonds are paid off until July 2, 2020. The Turnpike Transition Fund would be administered by the WVDOH Commissioner to pay for: the cost of all WV Turnpike operations and maintenance; all costs and expenses necessary for toll collection and toll collection operations until June 30, 2020 and to cover capital costs necessary for the removal of the toll collection facilities; and costs associated with the State Police services not to exceed $2 million per fiscal year from the time the bonds are paid until January 1, 2035. To estimate costs associated with these items, it is assumed the cost of removing the toll collection facilities and the associated reconstructed toll plaza entrances to meet design criteria



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Lorrie Hodges
    Email Address: lorrie.a.hodges@wv.gov