Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced sweeping reforms to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, declaring "a culture change" that will fundamentally transform how the state manages its infrastructure investments.
The Governor's reforms focus on a simple principle: more money for roads and bridges, less for bureaucracy. Despite billions spent in recent years, Morrisey noted that the state was "out of money" for new highways, prompting this comprehensive restructuring.
"West Virginians deserve roads they can be proud of, not excuses," Governor Morrisey stated firmly. "We're cutting administrative overhead and putting those dollars directly into paving and repairs where they belong."
The reforms include a dramatic reduction in administrative positions, with resources redirected to frontline maintenance crews and construction projects. The Governor estimates this reallocation will free up tens of millions of dollars annually for actual infrastructure work.
A new transparency initiative will provide real-time tracking of road projects and spending, allowing citizens to see exactly where their tax dollars are going. This public dashboard will include project timelines, costs, and completion status for every major road and bridge project in the state.
"Accountability starts at the top," Morrisey explained. "We're going to show West Virginians exactly how we're spending their money and what they're getting in return."
The administration is prioritizing maintenance of existing infrastructure over new construction, recognizing that keeping current roads and bridges in good condition is more cost-effective than allowing them to deteriorate and require complete replacement.
Regional maintenance supervisors will have greater autonomy to address local needs quickly, reducing the bureaucratic delays that have historically plagued road repairs. This decentralization is expected to significantly improve response times for pothole repairs and other routine maintenance.
The Governor also announced a new performance-based contracting system for road construction projects, with bonuses for early completion and penalties for delays. This incentive structure is designed to accelerate project delivery while maintaining quality standards.
Transportation industry leaders have welcomed the reforms, noting that the emphasis on efficiency and accountability addresses long-standing concerns about the state's infrastructure management. The changes are expected to improve West Virginia's roads while demonstrating fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
Originally published by News and Sentinel
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