4/7/10-Gov. Joe Manchin signed a bill into law in late March giving the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Starting July 1, the state Parkways Authority will be able to pursue selling bonds to build new highways, and collect tolls on those roads to pay off the bonds. The new bonding capability doesn’t apply to the Turnpike.
Previously SB427, the new law includes a provision giving county commissions veto power over toll roads. Two citizens from each county are to be involved in such projects to provide input to the authority.
The Parkway’s Authority will be required to hold annual informational sessions in each of the four Turnpike counties about the existing E-ZPass program. At each of the gatherings, the authority must handout 250 E-ZPass transponders.
One other provision sought by Manchin focuses the Parkways Authority’s attention solely on roads. The agency is required to separate itself from dealing with economic development and tourism.

3/16/10-The House voted 95-3 to approve a bill that would give the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Sponsored by Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, SB427 now moves to Gov. Joe Manchin’s desk for his expected signature after the Senate signed off on changes.
The bill would enable the state Parkways Authority to pursue selling bonds to build new highways, and collect tolls on those roads to pay off the bonds.
The new bonding capability wouldn’t apply to the Turnpike.
Another provision in the bill would give county commissions veto power over toll roads. Two citizens from each county would be involved in such projects to provide input to the authority.
The Parkway’s Authority would be required to hold annual informational sessions in each of the four Turnpike counties about the existing EZ-Pass program. At each of the gatherings, the authority would handout 250 E-ZPass transponders.
Also included in the bill is a provision sought by Manchin to focus the Parkways Authority’s attention solely on roads. The agency would be required to separate itself from dealing with economic development and tourism.
For bill status, call 304-357-7800. In West Virginia, call 877-565-3447.

3/5/10-The Senate unanimously voted to advance a bill to the House that would give the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Sponsored by Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, SB427 would enable the state Parkways Authority to pursue selling bonds to build new highways, and collect tolls on those roads to pay off the bonds.
The new bonding capability wouldn’t apply to the Turnpike.
A provision added on the Senate floor would require the governor to appoint citizen panels where toll roads are being considered. They would submit recommendations and suggestions on projects to the Parkway’s Authority.
Another late addition to the bill would require the Parkway’s Authority to hold annual informational sessions in each of the four Turnpike counties about the existing EZ-Pass program.
Also included in the bill is another provision sought by Manchin to focus the Parkways Authority’s attention solely on roads. The agency would be required to separate itself from dealing with economic development and tourism.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the House Finance Committee.
For bill status, call 304-357-7800. In West Virginia, call 877-565-3447.

2/3/10-A bill in the Senate Government Organization Committee would give the West Virginia Parkways Authority the option to expand the state’s toll roads. Currently, the lone pay-as-you-go route is along the West Virginia Turnpike.
Sponsored by Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, SB427 would enable the state Parkways Authority to pursue selling bonds to build new highways, and collect tolls on those roads to pay off the bonds.
The new bonding capability wouldn’t apply to the Turnpike.
Also included in the bill is another provision sought by Manchin to focus the Parkways Authority’s attention solely on roads. The agency would be required to separate itself from dealing with economic development and tourism.
For Senate bill status, call 304-357-7800.