Charleston, W.Va. – Local government, business and community leaders from throughout the state will be invited to attend a series of regional educational meetings to learn about the challenges facing West Virginia’s surface transportation system and to understand what the outlook is for transportation funding.
Organizers of the meetings, which will be held in seven locations across the state, include West Virginians for Better Transportation, the West Virginia Municipal League and the West Virginia Association of Counties. Legislators also will be invited to the meetings.
The morning meetings will be held as follows:
- September 5 - Beckley
- September 19 - Huntington
- October 1 - Charleston
- October 16 - Morgantown
- October 23 - Martinsburg
- October 30 - Bluefield
- November 14 - Wheeling
(A complete schedule is attached to this press release)
The meetings are designed to educate local and community leaders about the state’s transportation system, its current and projected challenges and the financial plight facing the state Road Fund (now and future), said Joe Deneault, Chairman of West Virginians for Better Transportation.
“There are more needs facing our state’s transportation system than can be met with existing and projected resources,” Deneault added. “Local communities all across the state are struggling with the impacts of this situation. Moreover, many communities are going to face greater problems and issues as limited state Road Fund dollars are stretched even further.”
Deneault noted that the Secretary of the state Transportation Department recently reported his agency will need an extra $125 million to $150 million more a year to get the state down to a 10-year paving cycle.
Last year’s level of paving funds means that, on average, a road will be repaved on a 23-24 year cycle. In addition, the state has the sixth highest number of bridges listed either as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
“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 emphasized.
Among the agenda Items to be covered during the meetings are:
- Overview of W.Va.’s transportation system
- Condition, present situation
- Current funding levels, recent legislative changes
- Impact of recent gasoline price increases
- Report on the W.Va. DOH’s project prioritization
- 6-year plan
- $20 billion list of projects
- Discussion about the state’s transportation funding outlook (2007-2012, beyond)
“We are hopeful these meetings around the state will generate ideas and discussion about what long-term solutions may be possible,” Deneault said.
"The West Virginia Association of Counties is very pleased to be a co-sponsor of these important and timely regional meetings and encourage all county officials to attend the meeting most convenient for them,” said Patty Hamilton, executive director.
“Educating our local leaders about the state’s transportation system and its needs is vital, now more than ever,” said Lisa Dooley, executive director of the West Virginia Municipal League. “I think these regional education sessions will be critical in getting a greater understanding not only about our current situation, but also what the future holds.”
**30**
All sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Beckley
Huntington
Charleston
Morgantown
Martinsburg
Bluefield
Wheeling