SCR 40 Text

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 40
(By Senators Unger, Jenkins, D. Facemire, Fanning, Plymale, Stollings, White and Barnes)
[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study issues related to the operation and maintenance of West Virginia's state road and highway system related to snow removal and ice control, operations associated with responding to inclement weather events and emergencies and established quota levels pertaining to personnel, equipment and materials for road repair and maintenance.

Whereas, The West Virginia Division of Highways has been given statutory authority for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of West Virginia's state road and highway system; and
Whereas, The Division of Highways' mission is to protect public safety and preserve its highway system by maintaining and repairing the system and responding to inclement weather related events and emergencies so travelers and goods reach their destination safely and efficiently; and
Whereas, A key component of the maintenance of state highways is the control of snow and ice; and
Whereas, Snow removal and ice control should be performed in order to facilitate the movement and safety of public traffic and should be done in accordance with best management practices; and
Whereas, Division of Highways uses snow plows, motor graders, deicing salt and abrasives to clear and treat the roadway pavement; and
Whereas, Division of Highways has established quotas and set budgets for equipment and personnel to deliver operational services related to snow removal and ice control within its county and expressway maintenance organizations; and
Whereas, The control of snow and ice on West Virginia's roads and highways involves balancing the needs of the traveling public, traffic and personal safety and the pavement wear and ride deterioration together with limited moneys and resources available to the Division of Highways; and
Whereas, The Division of Highways should be continually searching for materials, resources, equipment, personnel and improved operational practices to lessen the effects of inclement weather; and
Whereas, A renewed state commitment to funding West Virginia's road and highway infrastructure is necessary as well as a renewed interest in addressing the enormity of the transportation infrastructure system crisis created by inadequate federal and state funds, lack of personnel and equipment together with operational practices that don't employ best management practices; and
Whereas, Without adequate infrastructure to efficiently and safely move people and goods, the state's traffic and economic development will cease; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study issues related to the operation and maintenance of West Virginia's state road and highway system related to snow removal and ice control and operations associated with responding to inclement weather events and emergencies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance review the Division of Highways' established quota levels pertaining to personnel, equipment and materials for road maintenance and repair including, but not be limited to, snow removal, ice control, repair and patching of damaged roads, mowing and all other routine road maintenance; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the costs associated with repairing and paving roads and highways damaged from snow removal and ice control, especially damage caused by recent winter storms, together with identifying federal and state funds adequate to immediately repair and patch the damaged roads; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance review the priorities given to improving the state's roads and highways together with identifying federal and state funds to adequately achieve those priorities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance seek input from the Division of Highways, State Police, National Guard, as well as weather service providers, as to how snow removal and ice control services may be more efficiently provided during inclement weather events and emergencies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, 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.

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