FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

STATE ROAD FUND

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

A New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


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


The estimated cost to implement legislation for this program is unknown. The Division of Highways is already including many of the items proposed while staying within our fiscal constraints. The following are actual costs of what the Division has incurred on other highway projects: 100' Sidewalks $ 4,166 100' Refuge Island $14,000 100' Bicycle Lane $ 8,265 Two 100' Pave 6' Shoulders $12,355 100' Dedicated 18' Transit Lane $18,532



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2012
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2013
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 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):


Costs are unknown as they will vary from project-to-project.



Memorandum


Most of the State's roadways are narrow, two lane facilities, with the exception of interstates, corridors, and some facilities located in urban areas. The Division of Highways normally owns only curb-to-curb. In order to provide the sidewalks and biking facilities in urban areas, the DOH would need to acquire additional expensive commercial rights-of-way. Additionally, we would face the prospect of relocation costs of businesses in downtown urban areas. It should be noted, however, that in cases where the DOH has acquired the right-of-way, bicycle lanes are starting to be included. If walkways are in place prior to a highway project, construction details will include curb cuts to facilitate pedestrian travel. The DOH does incorporate audible signs and other traffic crossing devices in urban areas as signalization projects are developed. Our agency has started using roundabouts, where appropriate, to facilitate the movement of traffic where financially feasible. In 17-2A-8d (a)(1) the bill includes maintenance activities (i.e., patching, ditching, etc) as an activity under which the DOH must consider incorporation of bike paths, sidewalks, street furniture, transit lanes, etc. The legislation also directs the DOH to provide public transportation stops and facilities. These are under the jurisdiction of the Division of Public Transit. The DOH will continue to review projects for assurance that it complies with the Federal ADA laws and, where possible, incorporate other modes. The bill creates unfunded mandates on the DOH and also on all municipalities in the State. We do not recommend passage of this legislation in its present form.



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