CHARLESTON, W.VA. -- The West Virginia AFL-CIO has added its support as the latest organization to join West Virginians For Better Transportation (WVBT) coalition. WVBT’s statewide coalition, which represents a broad cross-section of interested groups and leaders, is one of the largest in the state. Nearly 300 business groups, labor organizations, counties, cities, economic development authorities, civic clubs, businesses and elected leaders are among the supporters.
“The addition of the AFL-CIO substantially increases support by labor groups and expands the voices of those who want to make sure our state maintains its roads, bridges and highways and finds new ways to enhance its transportation infrastructure,” said Bill Hilborn, Chairman of WVBT. “The addition of the AFL-CIO comes at an important time as our state’s leaders are looking for possible solutions and working to maintain jobs and business activity.”
"The AFL-CIO is pleased to be adding its members' support to this statewide coalition," said Kenny Perdue, President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO. "Our members want to see West Virginia's transportation infrastructure maintained and expanded. By doing this, we also will keep West Virginia working and moving."
The state’s Road Fund has been facing a dual problem of stagnating revenues and ever-increasing costs for raw materials such as concrete, asphalt, steel, etc. Making this situation more dire are the following statistics, which are taken from a 2009 West Virginia transportation report prepared by TRIP (The Road Information Program – www.tripnet.org):
? In 2007, 37 percent of major roads in West Virginia were in poor or mediocre condition, providing motorists with a rough ride and added repair costs.
o In 2007, eight percent of West Virginia’s roads were rated in poor condition and 29 percent were rated in mediocre condition.
o Roads rated in poor condition may show signs of deterioration, including rutting, cracks and potholes. In some cases, poor roads can be resurfaced, but often are too deteriorated and must be reconstructed. Roads rated in mediocre condition may show signs of significant wear and may also have some visible pavement distress. Most pavements in mediocre condition can be repaired by resurfacing, but some may need more extensive reconstruction to return them to good condition.
o A desirable goal for state and local organizations that are responsible for road maintenance is to have 75 percent of major roads in good condition. At the time of this report, 42 percent of West Virginia’s major roads were in good condition.
? More than one-third - 37 percent - of bridges in West Virginia show significant deterioration or do not meet current design standards. This includes all bridges that are 20 feet or more in length and are maintained by state, local and federal agencies.
o Fifteen percent of West Virginia’s bridges (carrying at least 2,500 vehicles per day) were structurally deficient in 2008. A bridge is structurally deficient if there is significant deterioration of the bridge deck, supports or other major components. Structurally deficient bridges are often posted for lower weight or closed to traffic, restricting or redirecting large vehicles, including commercial trucks and emergency services vehicles.
o Twenty-two percent of West Virginia’s bridges were functionally obsolete in 2008. Bridges that are functionally obsolete no longer meet current highway design standards, often because of narrow lanes, inadequate clearances or poor alignment.
In its 2009 Annual Report the West Virginia Division of Highways summarized the likely consequences of the current situation: “Unless the State Road Fund is able to substantially increase its revenues, the long-term forecast is for reduced construction and maintenance, accompanied by a decline in the condition of the state's highway infrastructure and a negative impact on the overall economic condition of the state.”
“With the addition of the AFL-CIO, West Virginians for Better Transportation will have more voices with which to educate elected leaders, the media and the general public about the challenges facing the state’s road, bridge and highway system,” Hilborn said. “The coalition also will continue calling on federal, state and county leaders to develop a long-term plan to meet the state’s surface transportation needs.”
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West Virginians for Better Transportation is a coalition that aims to educate West Virginians about the importance of maintaining a safe and modern transportation infrastructure. The coalition includes nearly 300 organizations, groups, government leaders and companies that recognize and value the importance of a good surface transportation system. The coalition is spearheading a statewide education campaign, called “Keep West Virginia Moving,” designed to generate public awareness of the state transportation system and foster debate about the ability to meet current and future needs. For more information, please go to www.keepwvmoving.org.
The West Virginia AFL-CIO is a group of more than 550 affiliated unions joined together for the common cause of fairness for all workers. For more information, please go to: http://www.wvaflcio.org/