11/23/09-Lawmakers meeting during a special session voted to send a bill to Gov. Joe Manchin for his signature that limits the annual changes to the fuel tax that are based on wholesale prices. It also clears the way for the Division of Highways to use some unspent money for secondary roads.
West Virginia law ties the diesel and gasoline tax to the average wholesale price of fuel. The tax can change at the first of each year because it is based on the average wholesale price between July 1 and Sept 30.
SB4004 makes permanent a 5-cent tax added in 1993, which was set to expire in 2013. It also sets a 10-percent range for any changes in the variable rate after 2010. The two-way ceiling allows a fluctuation of 1.17 cents in either direction.
Also included is a measure that earmarks $27.3 million for the state’s secondary roads. The cash infusion will come via the general revenue fund.
For bill status, call 304-357-7800. In West Virginia, call 877-565-3447.