FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

6700-16 STATE ROAD FUND

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 bill will require the DOH to give full consideration to the installation of bike/pedestrian paths on most urban highway work with only a few exceptions. The DOH already gives consideration to any project where is sufficient room to construct such facilities. It is estimated that we have spent approximately $17.5 Million in the past year to widen shoulders and construct other paths/sidewalks for pedestrian/bicycle usage. Additionally, the DOH annually disperses approximately $7.5 Million in grants for paths for walking, biking and safe routes to schools. To require the DOH to install these facilities within one mile of nearly any work in an urban area would create an extreme hardship on the State Road Fund which is stagnant. The bill would require additional monies for design work, possible utility relocation, right of way acquisition, and construction.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2010
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2011
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 8,725,000 17,500,000 17,500,000
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):


NEW LEGISLATION: Design $ 700,000 Utility Relocation $ 700,000 Right of Way Acquisition $ 2,100,000 Construction $14,000,000 TOTAL W/NEW REQUIREMENT $17,500,000 CURRENT ANNUAL EXPENDITURE: Enhancement/Safe Roads to Schools $ 7,500,000 Additional inc. in road projects 2009 $17,500,000 TOTAL CURRENT EXPENDITURES $25,000,000



Memorandum


This bill has not been updated since it was originally submitted for legislative consideration in 2008 (HB 4006) and is similar to HB 2917. Section 1D states that implementation shall begin with the planning process on 7-1-08 with incorporation in construction projects in 7-1-09. In accordance with Federal law, the DOH already incorporates bike and walking paths on highway projects where feasible. Additionally, we are widening highway shoulders, where possible, when resurfacing roadways in order to facilitate walking and biking. The legislation requires the DOH to develop standards for these paths. The DOH already has such standards incorporated in our design directives which are in full conformance with Federal law. The DOH expends approximmately $17.5 M each year to construct these pathways over and above the $7.5 Million provided by our grants programs. The requirement to include such pathways within one mile of nearly any urban project would entail additional monies expended for design work, utility relocation, right of way acquisition and construction. The DOH does not feel this legislation is needed.



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