By Jim Ross
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia voters may be asked to approve the borrowing of at least $1 billion for state roads.
Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox suggested a road bond amendment to lawmakers Thursday.
Mattox said the Division of Highways could then complete 17 long-delayed projects around the state. They include U.S. 35 in Mason County and the Berkeley Springs Bypass in Morgan County.
Mattox said $1.5 billion would fund those projects as well as finish the Corridor H highway.
But Mattox also said that paying off a $1 billion bond would require at least $65 million annually for 30 years. Lawmakers questioned where that money would come from.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said he does not plan to propose a bond, and has not identified potential repayment sources.