This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the allocation of road funds by the Division of Highways. It mandates that the state road commissioner set aside 20 percent of the state road fund to reimburse counties for local revenue expenditures related to the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of feeder and state local roads. The bill outlines a structured process for counties to apply for these reimbursements, including a matching fund distribution method based on the total funds requested. Additionally, it requires the commissioner to hold annual public meetings to discuss proposals and solicit public comments, ensuring transparency in the allocation process.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new article that requires the commissioner to develop a formula for the effective allocation of road funds among districts and counties, which must be submitted to the Legislature for approval as a legislative rule. This formula will consider various factors, such as population served, lane miles, and the condition of bridges, to ensure that funds are distributed based on the needs of the counties. The bill emphasizes the importance of public engagement in the development of this formula and mandates that the commissioner implement a mechanism for collecting public comments. Overall, the legislation aims to incentivize counties to utilize local revenue sources for road maintenance and improvement while promoting a fair and transparent funding allocation process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-3-6a, 17-31-1, 17-31-2, 17-31-3, 17-31-4, 17-31-5