May 24, 2012
W. Va. (WSAZ) -- A new bill introduced Thursday will eliminate the tolls on West Virginia highways - and instead, find another revenue source to maintain the roads. But, some fear this may be a case of much easier said than done.
It's a ritual that drivers on West Virginia's turnpike have grown accustomed to--three stops on I-77 in the southern part of the state between Charleston and Beckely to pay a toll. But, one lawmaker is proposing a bill to eliminate it.
“Turnpike tolls are a restrictor plate on the economy in southern W.Va.," W.Va. Delegate Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer said." "They keep us from moving goods and services efficiently, make things more expensive, they're a fee on our guests that keep them from visiting.”
The millions of dollars generated by the toll are supposed to maintain the roadways. So, the question is if you eliminate the toll, how do you provide maintenance?
“The turnpike is funded by the federal government for maintenance," Delegate Gearheart said." "The dirty little secret is the Department of Highways is using it elsewhere.”
Delegate Gearheart said eliminating the toll would actually generate more revenue for the state.
“There are studies by the parkway board that when tolls go up, ridership goes down," said Gearheart. "So, logic would dictate eliminating the toll would increase ridership.”
And that translates to more money spent on gas, goods and services in the state.
“We have about $45-50 million a year that we use to paint bridges, repair culverts and drainage pipes,” Greg Barr, WV Parkway Authority Manager said.
“The question is will there be money available from some other source to pay for that in 2019 or 2020 especially now when 75% of that revenue is coming from out-of-state users of the highway,” Barr continued.
It wasn't all that long ago that the toll was $1.25 and then it was hiked up $.75 to $2.00.
“That's what they need to do the way the economy is. It would really help the people out,” Mick Davenport, motorist said.
So, to toll or not to toll will remain a question as lawmakers and state officials weigh in on the best method to maintain the state's highways.
If the legislation passes, the tolls would be eliminated by the year 20-20.
|
Popular Searches Powered by Local.com |
