SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 66

(By Senators Walters, Leonhardt, Gaunch, Mullins and Woelfel)

[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study future legislation relating to revenue sources for increased highway and bridge construction and maintenance.

            Whereas, Recent research conducted for the Contractors Association of West Virginia noted that 28 percent of West Virginia’s roads eligible for federal aid are rated “not acceptable” and 35.2 percent of West Virginia’s bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete; and

            Whereas, Such research also identified West Virginia as having the highest rate of traffic fatalities per mile traveled in the country; and

            Whereas, Inflation and better fuel economy are two factors that have contributed to a reduced funding level for West Virginia’s infrastructure construction and maintenance; and

            Whereas, On March 10, 2015, the West Virginia Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure discussed the merits of Senate Bill No. 478, entitled “Generating and maintaining revenue for road construction and maintenance and infrastructure” and the potential economic impact of an annual $500 million increase in highway and bridge construction investment in West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Appropriate funding for highway and bridge maintenance and construction is of utmost importance for the safety and economic prosperity of West Virginians; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study future legislation relating to revenue sources for increased highway and bridge construction and maintenance; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2016, 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.