The proposed bill aims to establish the Neighborhood Access Road Program in West Virginia, which will be administered by the West Virginia Division of Highways. This program is designed to provide funding for the construction and improvement of public access roads that serve eligible residential neighborhoods and subdivisions, particularly in rural areas facing population decline and housing shortages. The bill outlines the creation of a special revenue fund, known as the Neighborhood Access Road Fund, which will consist of appropriations, grants, federal funds, and other designated funds. The program will have specific eligibility criteria for projects, including a minimum residential threshold of twenty dwelling units and restrictions on the types of roads that can be funded.

Additionally, the bill specifies prohibited uses of the funds, such as for internal subdivision roads or private roads, and limits the funding for any single project to a maximum of $750,000 per fiscal year. The Division of Highways is required to submit an annual report detailing the program's administration and performance, including project approvals and expenditures. The program is set to terminate ten years after its effective date unless reauthorized by the Legislature, with any remaining funds reverting to the State Road Fund upon termination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-31-1, 17-31-2, 17-31-3, 17-31-4, 17-31-5, 17-31-6, 17-31-7, 17-31-8, 17-31-9