3/24/03-House lawmakers failed to pass legislation before the Legislature's regular session adjourned March 8 that would permit private investors to contribute funds for road projects the state cannot afford on its own.
The roads could use tolls, among other means, to repay developers.
Under SB362, which stalled in the House Finance Committee, the West Virginia Division of Highways would be responsible for all maintenance after a project's completion. The bill would preclude tolls or user fees on interstate highways or free roads and bridges unless reconstructed at increased capacity.

2/26/03-The state's Senate Finance Committee this week passed to the full Senate a bill permitting private investors to use state and federal highway funds for projects the state can't afford on its own.
The roads could use tolls, among other means, to repay developers.
Under SB362, the state could use up to $12 million of its $600 million annual road budget on such projects.
The bill says no more than 2 percent of the amount of the West Virginia Division of Highways' competitively bid projects can be dedicated to public-private projects.
Under the measure, DOH would be responsible for all maintenance after a project's completion. The bill would preclude tolls or user fees on interstate highways or free roads and bridges unless reconstructed at increased capacity.
For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947.