Charleston, W.Va. – Want a holiday from state gas taxes for 2009? That is the opportunity being put forth again by West Virginians for Better Transportation. The statewide coalition is offering eight prizes that will cover a person’s average state gasoline taxes for a one-year period. All a person has to do is enter the contest after using the organization’s gasoline tax calculator http://www.keepwvmoving.org/gastax/default.aspx
This is the second year that West Virginians for Better Transportation is sponsoring the contest, which is designed to promote use of the coalition’s gas tax calculator tool on its website. Visitors use the calculator to determine his or her gasoline taxes based on certain variables, such as average amount of travel and a vehicle’s gasoline mileage rate. The contest seeks to draw further attention to this calculator and, in turn, educate more West Virginians on how they are contributing to support the state’s transportation system.
As part of WVBT’s contest, a $250 gasoline debit card will be provided to a selected individual each week for the next several weeks (until Labor Day Weekend 2009). Individuals must enter by completing the on-line gas tax calculator. Each $250 debit card is equal, roughly, to what the average driver in West Virginia would pay in state gasoline taxes over a 12-month period.
“This contest last year drew in nearly 5,000 entrants, and WVBT has decided to offer it again and help eight individuals offset their annual state gasoline taxes,” said Joe Deneault, WVBT chairman. “By completing the calculator information, we’re hoping this will further educate West Virginians about their contribution to our roads, bridges and highways.”
State gasoline taxes are the major revenue source for West Virginia’s Road Fund, accounting for approximately 60 percent. The money is used for a variety of transportation-related activities, including:
- Maintenance and repairs to state roads and highways
- Snow removal services on state roads, bridges, highways and Interstates
- Paving (except roads maintained by cities)
- Bridge repairs and construction work
- Guardrails and other road safety barriers
- Matching transportation funding from the federal government
Although motorists continue to be frustrated with spiking gasoline prices, many may not be aware how our state’s transportation system is funded, Deneault explained. “They probably don’t realize that the state’s gasoline taxes are not keeping up with the needs to repave our roads, fix our bridges, build new highways or relieve traffic congestion areas.”
"One of WVBT’s major goals is to help people to understand how important a safe and modern transportation system is and to highlight the significant challenges, which will require all of us to work together to develop a long-term plan," Deneault added.
To access WVBT’s gas tax calculator and enter the “2009 Gas Tax Giveaway”, go to http://www.keepwvmoving.org/gastax/default.aspx.
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