The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 17-4-8a, which focuses on the coordination between utilities and the Division of Highways regarding road paving and utility work. It mandates that utilities provide annual reports detailing their planned projects that will disturb paved roads, including construction timelines and any relevant grants. The Division of Highways is tasked with reviewing these reports to better plan their own paving activities. Additionally, utilities can opt out of the reporting requirement if they do not have any plans for road work in the upcoming two years, but failure to comply with the reporting requirements may result in the withholding of Right of Way Entry Permits.

Furthermore, the Division of Highways is required to publish information on its website, including a map of its districts, a list of planned paving activities, and the reports submitted by utilities. The bill also clarifies that the Division of Highways can still perform necessary maintenance on roads scheduled for utility projects and allows utilities to conduct repairs on paved roads, provided they follow the established guidelines for restoration. This legislation aims to minimize the disruption caused by utility work on newly paved roads and enhance communication between utilities and the state highway authorities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-31-1, 24-9-1
Committee Substitute: 17-4-8a
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 17-4-8a