Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Virginians for Better Transportation?

West Virginians for Better Transportation is a new coalition that has been formed to help educate West Virginians – and our leaders, in particular – about the importance of maintaining a safe and modern transportation infrastructure. The coalition is reaching out to a wide spectrum of organizations that rely on and value the importance of a good surface transportation system. 

What are the coalition’s goals?

WVBT is spearheading a statewide education campaign designed to generate public awareness of the state transportation system and foster debate about the ability to meet current and future needs. This campaign is called “Keep West Virginia Moving.” WVBT’s goal is to educate people about the challenges facing West Virginia’s transportation system.

WVBT is highlighting the facts about the condition of the transportation system, current and future needs and the adequacy of resources being devoted to it. One key fact is that our state’s roads, bridges and highways are entering a crisis situation. The goal is to provide West Virginians with a clear view of the value of continuing to properly invest in our state’s surface transportation infrastructure and the importance of continuing to ensure a safe road, bridge and highway system.

Is West Virginia’s transportation system really in crisis?

Yes. The amount of money available to keep our roads maintained and to build new roads is stagnant or declining, which can have a tremendous impact on public safety and economic growth.  Also, inflationary pressures and high raw material prices are pushing up substantially the costs of repairs and new construction.  Recent bids for work on Route 35 came in twice as high as expected.

Moreover, the state Division of Highways recently testified to a legislative committee that West Virginia will need an additional $350 million a year to keep up with road, bridge and highway maintenance and construction.

West Virginia’s highways are better than ever…I don’t see the crisis.

While substantial progress and improvements have been made over the past several decades regarding our Interstates, West Virginia’s transportation system faces serious challenges now and in the coming years.  These challenges involve secondary roads and bridges and will impact highway services, such as paving, snow removal, maintenance and safety standards (guardrails, etc.)  These challenges are due to the fact that transportation funding is lagging behind current and future needs. 

West Virginia is only one of four states in the nation that has total responsibility for all roads, bridges and highways…and the state has the sixth largest state transportation system. The responsibility for our state’s transportation system rests solely with the West Virginia Department of Transportation.

The state’s transportation system is facing a critical point, and without swift action, our roads, highways and bridges could start to worsen and eventually deteriorate.

Are the roads really that bad in West Virginia?

Yes. Twenty-seven percent of our major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Nearly 40% of our bridges are substandard, 15% are structurally deficient and 22% are obsolete. 

In addition, the state DOH has had to cut this year’s paving program almost in half.  Bridge repairs are being delayed. The death rate on West Virginia’s roads is more than 50 percent higher than the national average. When we get into our cars we expect the roads we travel will be safe. Unfortunately that is not always the case in West Virginia.

What is being done about it?

The W.Va. Department of Transportation is finishing a six-year plan of action, which indicates there are billions of dollars in future needs. Many communities have major road, bridge and highway needs that far outstrip available resources.  In addition, the state Legislature is involved in its own study of this situation.

Is the WVDOT a member of West Virginians for Better Transportation?
 
No, but WVDOT is aware and supportive of the educational campaign being led by West Virginians for Better Transportation. The department has been playing a very important role in providing policymakers and the public with key information about the status of West Virginia's surface transportation system.

Who pays for road, bridge and highway work in West Virginia?

The owners and drivers of cars and trucks pay. Most of the funds for building, fixing and maintaining West Virginia’s roads, bridges and highways come from three primary sources – the state gasoline tax, taxes/fees on cars and driver’s licenses and part of the federal gasoline tax.  These funds generate about $1 billion a year for West Virginia’s program – half from state funds, and half from federal funds.

How much is the gasoline tax?

The tax on gasoline includes two parts – the state tax portion of 31.5 cents and the federal tax portion of 18.4 cents.

Haven’t gasoline taxes gone up?

No. Gasoline taxes on the retail level have been the same since 1993, which was the last time the tax was increased by 5 cents. Gasoline taxes on the wholesale level recently went up by 4.5 cents per gallon.

The sharp increase in gasoline prices recently have been due to higher foreign oil prices and heightened worldwide demand for oil.

So, is WVBT in favor of raising the gas tax?

West Virginians for Better Transportation is a group dedicated solely to an education mission. The coalition won’t be advocating any particular solution to address this crisis. That will be left up to our state and local leaders. The coalition simply wants to highlight the issue and raise public awareness.

Well, the only way you can fix this problem is through more money. So do you really favor raising taxes?

There are a variety of ways to address this situation.  However, if this crisis isn’t addressed soon, then the state actually could start to lose federal funds.  Moreover, any deterioration in the state’s transportation infrastructure could imperil jobs or new business investment. Then, the state would start to lose tax dollars and other benefits.

Who are the backers of this organization?

Coalition supporters come from all walks of life – those involved in transportation, those concerned with traveling on safe and dependable roads and those dedicated to improving the state’s business environment. Among those that have joined West Virginians for Better Transportation are the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association, the West Virginia Municipal League, the West Virginia Roundtable, the West Virginia Association of Counties, local chambers, convention & visitor bureaus, economic development groups, etc.

The coalition welcomes any West Virginia organization or person who wants better transportation.

Will WVBT be endorsing any projects or supporting a specific region’s needs?

This new coalition will not be endorsing any specific project or need or a particular region’s issues….and will not be endorsing any specific solution to these needs.  This will be left to individual groups to advance and for state leaders to consider.

Where are you getting your money to run the organization?

Our funding comes from voluntary contributions from supporters. No tax dollars are going to support this campaign.

What if nothing is done about this crisis?

If a long-term plan is not developed soon regarding this situation, then many important road, bridge and highway improvements and projects will be delayed, and conditions and services will worsen. Jobs also could be lost. Our business climate will suffer. Failure to act will hamper West Virginia’s economic engine and growth potential.