This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17-3-11, to the Code of West Virginia, which mandates the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the feasibility, effectiveness, and costs associated with installing suicide prevention and safety measures on the New River Gorge Bridge. The study will involve consultations with the Bridge Day Commission to assess the impact of these measures on Bridge Day activities and will also explore the availability of federal funding for the project. A report detailing the findings of this study is required to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2025.

To facilitate the study, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to allocate funds from the State Road Fund, seek grants, and enter into agreements or contracts with various entities. The section is designed to be self-terminating, automatically repealing itself upon the submission of the report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. This initiative aims to address safety concerns related to suicide on the bridge while considering the implications for local events and funding opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-3-11