FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 15, 2016
Time Requested: 12:19 PM
Agency: Highways, Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1010 Introduced SB135
CBD Subject: Counties


FUND(S):



Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund State Road Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


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


The West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways (WVDOH) is responsible for the construction, maintenance and operations of the road system in the State of West Virginia which represents over 92% of the road system in the State. Through its planning process, the WVDOH completed a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) identifying needs within the State which identified over $1 billion per year in needs. This legislation will be very beneficial from a financial standpoint as it will bring new revenue to be utilized on the road system in West Virginia. The only potential direct costs attributed to the legislation will be the time necessary for the WVDOH to review county plans, resolving potential conflicts, and the necessary resources for issuing bonds, as appropriate. The WVDOH may incur additional routine maintenance costs such as pothole patching, mowing, ditching, snow removal and ice control for any new roadways incorporated into the State Highway System.. These cost will depend upon the type and length of the facility being incorporated into the system. It is anticipated these costs will be minimal.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2016
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2017
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):


See Fiscal Note Summary above for information regarding the fiscal impact of this bill on the State of West Virginia.



Memorandum


The WVDOH prepares a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) as well as a six year transportation program of capital projects called the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The LRTP identified a gap in funding needed to operate and maintain the road system in the State at $1 billion per year. The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission made recommendations for additional revenue at $750 billion per year for preservation of the existing system and $380 billion per year for expanding the highway system (such as 4 lane highways). The proposed legislation provides an opportunity for additional revenue to address the highway needs. The legislation proposes the County prepare a plan of projects, but does not refer to WVDOH plans prepared through the planning process. Resolving potential conflicts of county plan from the WVDOH plans which include plans prepared by the State's metropolitan planning organizations may require additional resources, but is difficult to estimate. Submissions of county plans and resolving potential conflicts will on-going initiatives will require additional labor hours, but this cannot be estimated given the uncertainty of the number of counties that would be willing to participate. The selling bonds will also require additional resources, but this is not anticipated to be a significant amount.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Lorrie Hodges
    Email Address: lorrie.a.hodges@wv.gov