Bill > HB4716

This bill modifies the Industrial Access Road Fund, which provides state money for roads connecting to industrial sites, by allowing funds to be used for signage, safety upgrades, and as matching funds for federal transportation projects that benefit economic development areas. It also introduces flexibility for counties that are part of a regional economic development organization to share or allocate their fund money to projects in other counties served by the same entity, with the regional organization acting as the lead administrator for shared projects. The bill clarifies that the Division of Highways' decisions on constructing or improving these roads will consider factors like project cost relative to development potential, confirmed or imminent industrial activity, and whether the project leverages federal funds or regional resources. Additionally, it extends the availability of allocated funds for three fiscal years from their original allocation before they revert to the State Road Fund, and it increases the maximum allocation of unmatched funds per county, municipality, or regional economic development organization to $500,000 per fiscal year, while also requiring the Division of Highways to periodically review these funding thresholds for adjustments based on inflation and construction costs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4716&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill