Manchin Vetoes Turnpike Bill

The latest round pitting the Legislature against the parent agency of the West Virginia Turnpike ended late Wednesday with a veto from Gov. Joe Manchin, The Associated Press reports.

Manchin nixed a bill that would have required lawmakers' approval before any future toll rate hikes by the Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority.

Legislators went back and forth during the recent session between mandating pre-approval or just a heads-up before the turnpike raised its tolls. The sparring with Parkways began last year after toll rates were hiked. Those increases were rescinded by a judge's order in a legal challenge against Parkways.

The Bluefield Daily Telegraph also has the story, while The (Beckley) Register-Herald hears from some of the leading proponents of the vetoed bill.

UPDATE: The Charleston Daily Mail has a story as well.