This bill aims to enhance the maintenance and management of orphan roads and bridges in West Virginia by establishing a new program for counties and municipalities. It introduces a series of new articles under Chapter 17 and Chapter 36C of the West Virginia Code, which outline the criteria for designating orphan roads and bridges, the procedures for their acquisition and maintenance, and the necessary public notification and transparency measures. The bill grants the West Virginia Division of Highways the authority to develop an identification program for these roads and bridges, allowing local governments to acquire and maintain them if they meet specific criteria, such as being publicly accessible and not maintained by any governmental agency.

Additionally, the bill creates Infrastructure Only Common Ownership Associations, which can manage common infrastructure such as roadways, utilities, and drainage systems. It specifies the requirements for the creation and management of these associations, including the need for declarations and plats, and outlines the process for termination and the scope of their authority. The funding for the acquisition and maintenance of orphan roads and bridges can come from existing infrastructure funds, state and federal grants, and partnerships with private entities. Overall, the bill seeks to empower local governments to improve infrastructure while providing legal protections and ensuring public safety.

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