Fed Stimulus Could Help, Hinder W.Va. Road Fund

"The far-reaching federal stimulus plan expected from President-elect Barack Obama will likely delay any serious overhaul of West Virginia's State Road Fund," The Associated Press reports. "Lawmakers discussing state highway funding on Monday said they should wait to see just what the estimated $775 billion package might provide for Mountain State road projects."

The Manchin administration expects to ask for $2.2 billion, the price tag for "projects that would qualify for funds under the proposed terms of the stimulus," AP reports. "About $970 million of the state's total reflects road- and bridge-related projects, with $224 million of that coming from the West Virginia Turnpike."

But legislators were also reminded that they must still address the chronic funding problems of the State Road Fund, the principal source of state revenues for West Virginia's highway needs.

Others with coverage include The Charleston Gazette, MetroNews and The Register-Herald of Beckley. The latter two also quote Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, criticizing the state's decision (proposed by Gov. Joe Manchin, approved by the Legislature) to freeze a scheduled 2009 increase of state gas taxes. MetroNews has audio.