This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia to establish a county and municipal orphan road and bridge acquisition program, allowing local governments to acquire and maintain roads and bridges that are not currently managed by any governmental entity. The bill outlines specific criteria for designating roads and bridges as "orphan," including their existence as of January 1, 2025, public accessibility, and lack of maintenance by any governmental agency. It also mandates the development of an identification program by the West Virginia Division of Highways, which will assist counties and municipalities in identifying orphan roads and bridges, and provides for public notification and transparency regarding proposed acquisitions.

Additionally, the bill introduces the concept of Infrastructure Only Common Ownership Associations, which can be formed by homeowners to manage specific infrastructure such as roadways and utilities. It details the creation, management, and termination processes for these associations, ensuring they adhere to the provisions of the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act. The bill also requires the Division of Highways to create an online map of state roads by July 1, 2026, and outlines funding sources for the acquisition and maintenance of orphan roads and bridges, including state and federal grants and partnerships with private entities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-13B-1, 8-13B-2, 8-13B-3, 8-13B-4, 8-13B-5, 8-13B-6, 8-13B-7