MetroNews reports, “A bill that passed the House of Delegates Transportation Committee Monday afternoon [February 20] would close an apparent loophole in existing state law when it comes to placing the West Virginia Turnpike under the control of the state Division of Highways when the current road bonds are paid off in 2019. The bill (HB 2027) mandates the transfer of the 88-mile toll road on June 30, 2019.” [Link added.]
Associated Press reports, “Gov. Jim Justice touted his highways construction program that would be financed by higher taxes and fees as he launched a statewide tour to promote the plan that he says would create tens of thousands of jobs in West Virginia.” The governor’s plan calls for raising turnpike tolls and using the revenue for off-road projects.