4/13/06-Gov. Joe Manchin signed a bill this month eliminating a mandated $55 million interchange along the state’s turnpike in Raleigh County. It also prevents the selling of bonds without lawmakers’ approval.
The new law, previously SB557, rescinds a 2004 law that required the state’s Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority to build an interchange at Shady Spring.
A $62 million lane-widening project near the North Beckley interchange and other road and bridge work remain.
The new rule also mandates that bonds only could be sold to refinance debt. Any new bonds for construction could not be sold without the Legislature’s backing.
In addition, the new law requires public notice and public hearings before the authority could increase toll rates.

3/20/06-A bill headed to Gov. Joe Manchin would eliminate a mandated $55 million interchange along the state’s turnpike in Raleigh County. It also would prevent the selling of bonds without lawmakers’ approval.
The measure would rescind a 2004 law that requires the state’s Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority to build an interchange at Shady Spring.
A $62 million lane-widening project near the North Beckley interchange and other road and bridge work remain.
SB557 also would mandate that bonds only could be sold to refinance debt. Any new bonds for construction could not be sold without the Legislature’s backing.
In addition, the measure would require public notice and public hearings before the authority could increase toll rates.
For bill status, call (304) 357-7947. In West Virginia, call 1-877-565-3447.

2/16/06-The Senate approved a bill Feb. 15 that would eliminate a mandated $55 million interchange along the state’s turnpike in Raleigh County.
Senators voted 30-2 to rescind a 2004 law that requires the state’s Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority to build an interchange at Shady Spring.
A $62 million lane-widening project near the North Beckley interchange and other road and bridge work remain.
SB557 was amended to remove a provision that called for returning tolls to the amounts charged last year.
The measure now heads to the House.
For bill status, call (304) 357-7947. In West Virginia, call 1-877-565-3447.

2/13/06-A bill before the full Senate would roll back tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike.
As of Jan. 1, tolls on the turnpike were raised at each of the three toll plazas from $4.25 to $7 for five-axle trucks and from $1.25 to $2 for passenger vehicles.
SB557, sponsored by Sen. Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, also would remove a mandated $55 million interchange at Shady Spring in Raleigh County.
For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947. In West Virginia, call 1-877-565-3447.