This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish clearer guidelines for the relocation of public utility lines during highway construction projects managed by the Division of Highways (DOH). It outlines the responsibilities of both the DOH and utility companies, including the requirement for utilities to submit plans for relocation and the conditions under which the DOH will reimburse utilities for relocation costs. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely communication and compliance with established procedures to avoid delays in highway projects.

A significant addition to the bill is the provision that allows the DOH to offer full reimbursement for utility relocation costs if the work is completed satisfactorily and on time, as specified in a written notification to the utility. This new language aims to incentivize utilities to meet deadlines and ensure that relocations do not hinder highway construction schedules. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process of utility relocation, thereby reducing potential delays in highway improvement projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 14-4-17b