Bridgeport, W.Va. (WVDN) – Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a major overhaul of West Virginia’s transportation priorities, introducing a focus on repairing and preserving existing bridges and roads.
“From jobs to schools to safety, infrastructure connects every part of life in our state,” said Governor Morrisey. “But what we have uncovered are mismanaged funds, mounting debt, and basic roads and bridges falling apart. That is why I’m unveiling a major course-correction for our state’s transportation policies. A better, safer, and more efficient transportation system starts with fixing what we already have and making sure it lasts.”
“I appreciate Governor Morrisey’s leadership and his strong support for transportation and infrastructure in West Virginia,” said Todd Rumbaugh, Secretary of Transportation. “Our focus will remain on preserving our existing system, maintaining the roads and bridges that West Virginians count on every day, and ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the strength of our workforce.”
Since taking office, Governor Morrisey’s administration has been ending what they call the financial mismanagement within the Department of Transportation, including the practice of “overpromising without funds to back up proposed projects.”
To begin to fix these problems and better manage bridges and roads, Governor Morrisey has directed the DOT to immediately implement the following measures:
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Refocus resources on long-overdue maintenance.
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Reduce administrative overhead and invest those savings into the state’s roads and bridges.
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Protect core maintenance funding, warning that failure to do so would jeopardize long-term stability.
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Provide greater transparency into ongoing projects and make commitments based upon resources available. New bridge and road maintenance projects can be viewed here.
Governor Morrisey also announced that there was virtually no Road to Prosperity funding available when he took office – over 97% of it was committed in 7 years by the previous administration, even though the bond will take 30 years to repay. Governor Morrisey’s administration says it is restructuring debt repayment to protect future infrastructure budgets.
Finally, the Governor pledged greater transparency in the Department, promising regular updates on project selection, finances, and timelines.
For a list of bridges and roads to be repaired, click here.
To view a one-pager on today’s announcement, click here.
