FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

State Road Fund 6700-16

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The legislation requires the Highway Commissioner to conduct a study of alternative revenue sources for highway development and maintenance. It permits the Commissioner to establish a pilot project and requires other State agencies' cooperation. The bill also requires the Commissioner to prepare a legislative report by January 31, 2014 regarding implementation of fee collection to evaluate the pilot project, identify uncertainties, and propose legislation.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2013
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2014
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 250,000 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The Division is working with CDM Smith in providing information to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways for development of alternative funding sources. We estimate that, when complete, the study will not exceed $250,000. If this legislation is enacted, we estimate that an additional study would cost approximately the same amount.



Memorandum


The Division of Highways has previously reviewed the average daily traffic on various State highways for possibly tolling. Our review determined that only a few State routes have a sufficently high traffic count to offset the cost of toll collection. Previously, Dr. Witt of West Virginia University provided the Legislature with funding alternatives. Governor Tomblin has created the Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways to review possible sources for funding highways for the next 20-30 years. Topics under discussion include alternative road usage fees, increased fees, tolling, etc. Their recommendations are anticipated by May 2013. It is recommended that the Legislature await the Commission's recommendations and, at that time, consider possibly implementing this legislation.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Kathy J Holtsclaw
    Email Address: Kathy.J.Holtsclaw@wv.gov