Bill > HB2703

This bill requires the West Virginia Commissioner of Highways to develop a comprehensive formula for allocating road funds among the state's ten highway districts by 2026, with several key objectives. The bill mandates that the commissioner set aside 20 percent of the state road fund to reimburse counties for locally funded road maintenance and construction, with applications for these funds to be submitted by March 1st of the following year. The allocation formula must consider multiple factors including population, population growth, total lane miles, vehicle miles traveled, heavy truck miles, and bridge conditions. The commissioner is required to conduct a public comment period, using multimedia resources to seek input from highway district offices, county commissions, and metropolitan planning organizations. The proposed formula must be submitted to the Legislature for approval as a legislative rule during the 2026 legislative session, with provisions ensuring that no district receives less funding than its highest funding level in the previous five years, unless the overall state highway budget has been reduced. The bill aims to create a more transparent and equitable process for distributing road funds, addressing a 2016 audit recommendation that highlighted the lack of a systematic allocation framework in the state's highway funding system.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2703&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill