The proposed bill, known as the "West Virginia River Access and Bridge Modernization Act," aims to enhance public safety and access to navigable waterways in West Virginia by establishing a framework for evaluating and improving public river access in conjunction with bridge projects. It includes provisions for the design, construction, and maintenance of public river access facilities, while emphasizing the importance of safety and environmental considerations. The bill prohibits the use of eminent domain for acquiring property for these facilities, allowing only voluntary acquisitions from willing sellers to improve public safety.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the West Virginia Division of Highways in assessing river access during substantial bridge projects and prioritizing improvements based on public safety needs. It authorizes the division to coordinate with various governmental agencies, apply for grants, and accept donations to support the development of public river access facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for informational signage to enhance user safety and orientation, while limiting the division's liability regarding injuries at these facilities. A legislative review is mandated within five years of enactment to assess the implementation and outcomes of the act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-4B-1, 17-4B-2, 17-4B-3, 17-4B-4, 17-4B-5, 17-4B-6, 17-4B-7, 17-4B-8, 17-4B-9, 17-4B-10, 17-4B-11, 17-4B-12, 17-4B-13, 17-4B-14