HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 80

(By Delegates Boggs, Hrutkay, Anderson, Ashley, Campbell, Carmichael, Doyle, Evans, Klempa, Manchin, Marshall, Perdue, M Poling, Rodighiero, Tucker, White and Yost)

[Introduced March 7, 2007; referred to the Committee on Rules.]





Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on transportation safety in West Virginia, including traffic control, traffic safety and design safety as well as safety in the transportation of hazardous waste upon the roads, highways and railways of the state, as well as identifying potential sources of funding for transportation safety measures.

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HEREAS , It is the desire of the Legislature to promote and protect the health and safety of the citizens of this state and facilitate practical safety measures with regard to the operation of motor vehicles, locomotives and railroad vehicles as well as other modes of transportation on the streets, highways and railroads of this state and to reduce the incidence of fatalities and serious injury and illness; and
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HEREAS , The problem of transportation of an ever increasing amount of hazardous waste continues to be a major concern to the health and safety of the citizens of this state as well as a continued potential threat to the environment; and
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HEREAS , Many of the major highways and railways in this state are increasing being utilized as major arteries for the interstate shipping and transportation of commercial and industrial goods and materials by long haul tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles as well as by railway containers; and
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HEREAS , The various state and local agencies responsible for the provision and implementation of transportation safety measures are performing their duties in a competent and professional manner, but are doing so within the constraints of current law and financial restrictions; and
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HEREAS , The Legislature desires to identify safety measures which would supplement and improve upon the current provisions for safety already being utilized, to improve transportation safety for the citizens of West Virginia, as well as identifying additional sources of funding for transportation safety; and
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HEREAS , Any improvements to transportation safety could potentially create economic benefits, including, but not limited to, increased economic productivity as well as reductions in property damage, medical costs, emergency services costs, insurance administration costs, legal and court costs, traffic delays and potential costs to employers; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study transportation safety in West Virginia, including traffic control, traffic safety and design safety as well as safety in the transportation of hazardous waste upon the roads, highways and railways of the state, as well as identifying potential sources of funding for transportation safety measures; and, be it
Further Resolved,
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, 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 legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.