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Most would agree transportation issues do exist in Monongalia County, however, the debate rages on for a method to secure funds to make the necessary upgrades to improve our transportation problems in and about the region.Federal funding has all but dried up, state dollars are linked to formulas which permits fair distribution of transportation dollars for 10 Department of Highway Districts. The present road fund, as the recent budget indicates is approximately $1 billion dollars and yet, this just barely covers the cost of maintaining the 36,000 miles of highways and bridges across the great State of West Virginia.
What is the solution?
The solution is complex and not without headaches. The following pages examine one possibility and more importantly allows the residents of Monongalia County to debate the issue and offer comments or suggestions. I only ask the debate remain civilized and constructive. I will not permit personal attacks or comments lacking thought and substance. Blind comments, those without personal names attached will not be permitted, if your statement has value then so does your name.
I have maintained since the beginning that a local fee concept is sound, however, the original plan did deserve “tweaking” in order to address the concerns of the public. This plan takes into account all concerns expressed by the populace of Monongalia County.The following plan is not a fee in the context it was used before, but rather this plan affords those of lower income to pay little or nothing. It does not increase the gas tax as some have proposed. It does not attach wages, nor does it force Monongalia County to seek hand outs from Charleston or Washington D.C. Simply put, we help ourselves overcome hours of idling in traffic each year.
Together, we can continue our leadership role in the state and develop a working formula, which will in fact act as the benchmark for future road and infrastruture development across the state.
While the funding issue is primary, it must be stated that I believe that some of our road problems can be corrected through managed lane strategies and signage at peek times. This site will also explore methods presently in place in other cities to address congestion mitigation…I welcome your ideas in this area as well.
Take time to review the site and offer your comments now or after you have had time to digest the information, either way I want to hear from you. If I have overlooked a concern or issue then by all means bring the issue to the table for discussion.
What is the solution?
The solution is complex and not without headaches. The following pages examine one possibility and more importantly allows the residents of Monongalia County to debate the issue and offer comments or suggestions. I only ask the debate remain civilized and constructive. I will not permit personal attacks or comments lacking thought and substance. Blind comments, those without personal names attached will not be permitted, if your statement has value then so does your name.
I have maintained since the beginning that a local fee concept is sound, however, the original plan did deserve “tweaking” in order to address the concerns of the public. This plan takes into account all concerns expressed by the populace of Monongalia County.The following plan is not a fee in the context it was used before, but rather this plan affords those of lower income to pay little or nothing. It does not increase the gas tax as some have proposed. It does not attach wages, nor does it force Monongalia County to seek hand outs from Charleston or Washington D.C. Simply put, we help ourselves overcome hours of idling in traffic each year.
Together, we can continue our leadership role in the state and develop a working formula, which will in fact act as the benchmark for future road and infrastruture development across the state.
While the funding issue is primary, it must be stated that I believe that some of our road problems can be corrected through managed lane strategies and signage at peek times. This site will also explore methods presently in place in other cities to address congestion mitigation…I welcome your ideas in this area as well.Take time to review the site and offer your comments now or after you have had time to digest the information, either way I want to hear from you. If I have overlooked a concern or issue then by all means bring the issue to the table for discussion.
I would encourage you to visit the link listed on the right hand side of the page; Keep WV Moving offers information that allows the reader to understand the major differences between WV Highway system and others states. As an example, did you know that West Virginia maintains 94% of all highways across the state? Compared to the national average of 20%. WV Dept. of Highways maintains 74% more roads then states two and even three times our size. Check it out.
1 comment:
Instead of looking at infrastructure projects costing tens of millions of dollars, why don't we concentrate on other solutions, building on the ideas you mention of improved signage and studies of how other cities manage their traffic problems. Surely this will be less expensive: the state could fund it, and the people of Monongalia County would not be burdened with huge road construction bills.
Compared to many places, traffic congestion in Morgantown is nothing. It isn't what drivers here are used to, but it's the consequence of growth. If gas prices continue to increase, then we can expect people to drive less anyway. We ought to concentrate on improving traffic efficiency and making mass transit a more viable option.
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