Group aims to educate, provide gas tax relief, to West Virginians

Group aims to educate, provide gas tax relief, to West Virginians  

Publication: The Register-Herald
Release Date: 07/10/08
Contact: Marc Basham

With gas prices soaring well over $4 West Virginians continue to look for ways to beat the pain at the pumps. Recently, the Charleston based West Virginians for Better Transportation brought their message about the state gas tax to the Internet, while providing a little relief to eight lucky drivers.

West Virginians for Better Transportation (WVBT) unveiled their latest campaign, “Keep West Virginia Moving” that, according to their Web site, is an educational and outreach campaign whose goal is to educate about transportation in the Mountain State. To help kick off this campaign WVBT has introduced a ‘gas tax giveaway.’ WVBT director Joe Deneault said this campaign is around for many reasons, but number one is to bring about discussion regarding the state’s transportation system.

“WVBT formed to educate West Virginians on the values of transportation and the challenges they face,” Deneault said. “We are acting as a stimulus to the discussion on transportation.”

One area the WVBT is targeting in this campaign is the state gas tax. On their Web site they have a gas tax calculator where one can enter their basic driving information and find out how much a year they are paying in taxes when they fill up. This is where Deneault hopes to get citizens thinking.

“How much are you willing to pay for a better transportation system?” Deneault asks. “The proposed Z-Way, the coalfield highway are good examples. For us to realistically meet these needs we need a long term plan to find solutions.”

Within their message of improving transportation infrastructure, the WVBT is providing eight lucky drivers a $250 gas card just for using the gas calculator.

This weekly drawing runs for the next eight weeks, giving out a card each week. To participate in this giveaway or to learn more about the WVBT’s mission and how you can help visit their Web site www.keepwvmoving.org.