This bill proposes the addition of a new article to the Code of West Virginia, which mandates the Commissioner of Highways to create a formula for the allocation of road funds among the state's districts and counties. The bill outlines legislative findings that highlight the absence of a current allocation formula, as noted in an independent audit, and emphasizes the need for a transparent and effective distribution process based on county needs. The new article includes definitions for key terms such as "Commissioner," "District," "Heavy truck," and "Road funds," and specifies the factors that must be considered in the formula, including population metrics, lane miles, vehicle travel, and bridge conditions.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Commissioner to actively seek public input on the current allocation of road funds by implementing a public comment mechanism by October 1, 2025. The Commissioner must then submit the developed formula to the Legislature for approval as a legislative rule during the 2026 session. The proposed rule will allow districts to manage fund distribution among counties over five years, ensuring that no district receives less funding than in the highest of the previous five fiscal years unless the overall state budget is reduced.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-31-1, 17-31-2, 17-31-3, 17-31-4, 17-31-5