Beckley is the lead-off locale for a series of gatherings across the state focusing on highway needs at a time when government is strapped for cash to pave new ones and maintain existing ones.
Seven meetings in all are planned by West Virginians for Better Transportation, with input from the West Virginia Association of Counties and the West Virginia Municipal League.
Beckley’s meeting is set for Sept. 5 at common council chambers, running from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Joe Deneault, the lead sponsoring group’s chairman, said the meetings are intended to educate local and community leaders about West Virginia’s transportation system, current and projected challenges, and the financial hardships confronting the Division of Highways.
Dwindling resources have limited the DOH’s ability to pave roads and perform other maintenance.
To reach a 10-year paving cycle, Deneault pointed out, Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox has said his agency needs from $125 million to $150 million more.
On average, based on last year’s level of paving cash in hand, a road will get a fresh facelift on a 23-24 cycle. West Virginia has the sixth-highest number of bridges viewed as either structurally deficient or functionally outdated.
Lawmakers have stepped up their concerns about the inability to get roads repaired. Many were openly grumbling in this week’s special session, echoing complaints they have been hearing from constituents about unattended potholes.
“Local leaders and the public must fully understand the challenges facing the state and decide whether the current situation is acceptable or whether they are willing to work toward a long-term plan with adequate funding for our state’s transportation needs,” Deneault said.
Topics up for talks include the six-year plan of prioritized projects — a source of fierce dispute among southern West Virginia lawmakers since none in their region made the list — the impact of higher gasoline and an overview of the transportation system.
Other meetings are planned in Huntington, Sept. 19; Charleston, Oct. 1; Morgantown, Oct. 16; Martinsburg, Oct. 23; Bluefield, Oct. 30; and Wheeling, Nov. 14.