CHARLESTON - West Virginians for Better Transportation, a statewide coalition of more than 260 organizations, companies and governmental entities, will be hosting a statewide conference in November that will focus on West Virginia’s transportation system. The 2009 West Virginia Transportation Conference will be held Tuesday, November 10 at the Country Inn & Suites/Mountaineer ConferenceCenter in Beckley, W.Va.
The conference will provide attendees with updates on the state’s transportation plans as well as information regarding the outlook for state and federal funding. A number of state and federal leaders have been lined up for the conference, including Congressman Nick Rahall, Governor Joe Manchin and W.Va. DOT Secretary Paul Mattox. In addition, state legislative leaders are being invited to provide their perspectives on West Virginia’s transportation needs. (See attached conference agenda.)
“The conference will provide a timely opportunity to discuss these issues and to allow several of our leaders to share their views,” said Joe Deneault, Chairman of West Virginians for Better Transportation. “The conference also will be the first time for many of our coalition members from across the state to gather together as a group.”
A recent study by a national transportation group found that West Virginia will face a transportation funding shortfall of $5 billion over the next ten years. Unless West Virginia can address this funding gap, many needed transportation projects will remain unfunded and state DOH officials will struggle with the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of existing roads, bridges and highways. Complicating matters are new pressures on the federal highway funding program which is pending reauthorization in the U.S. Congress.
The registration fee is $60 per person, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To register or to get more information, please visit: http://www.keepwvmoving.org/getactive/2009transportationconferenceaspx.aspx.