New Report on West Virginia Turnpike

Amid a handful of bills targeting the West Virginia Turnpike and its parent agency earlier this session, an in-depth study sought by Gov. Joe Manchin has issued findings.

The Public Resources Advisory Group recommends against dismantling the Turnpike's tolls or transferring the 88-mile road to the state Division of Highways. Some lawmakers favor both steps.

PRAG instead suggests that legislators restore the Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority's bond-selling powers, and that the Turnpike hike tolls. The detailed report also touts privatizing the Turnpike and/or adding tolls to additional roads and to bridges in the state.

PRAG also casts further doubt on the authority's economic development and tourism endeavors, and makes further recommendations regarding Tamarack.

Besides The Associated Press story, the authority's hometown Register-Herald of Beckley offers both an overview of the report and reaction from the authority. The Charleston Gazette also reports on the study.