W.Va. House Committee Blocks Road Funding Study

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Legislature won't be ordering another study of alternative ways to fund road needs.

A House Roads & Transportation Committee vote to advance the proposal failed in a tie Thursday.

West Virginia relies heavily on gas taxes to fund its roads. The number of miles traveled has increased as vehicles become more fuel efficient. But that also means that gas tax revenues aren't increasing at a corresponding rate.

The bill proposed studying alternate funding methods, including a tax on total miles traveled.

But critics questioned the study's estimated $250,000 price tag. They also cited how Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has already commissioned a blue ribbon study of the state's highways. It's expected to release findings in May.

The bill had passed the Senate on Monday by 24-10.