Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authorit y.

Whereas, The West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authorit

operates and maintains the West Virginia Turnpike to develop and maintain the West Virginia Turnpike through Mercer, Raleigh, Fayette, and Kanawha counties, and roads connecting to it; and,
Whereas

, The West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority promotes the tourism industry and fosters economic and tourism development opportunities, all of which create and retain jobs while enhancing the image of West Virginia; and, Whereas, The Legislature has the responsibility to oversee the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority and is obligated to review the selection process of West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority board members and the term limits for such members; and
Whereas, In response the West Parkways Authority proposed increasing the tolls for the West Virginia Turnpike. This caused public concern over the financial condition of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority, and its commitment to highway and economic development in southern West Virginia; and,
Whereas

, The Legislature should review the overall efficiency of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority, its revenue sources and funding, its present and proposed expenditures, operations and administrative costs; and,
Whereas, The Legislature should review the employment relations and practices of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority; and
Whereas, The Legislature should review the grievance process of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby

requested to study ways in which improvements can be made in the operation and efficiency of the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority, including ways

to provide accountability to improve the Authority and improve its public image; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;

and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.