The chairman of the state Parkways Authority says he hopes state lawmaker Cliff Moore doesn't put himself in harm's way by protesting a proposed toll increase on the West Virginia Turnpike.
Del. Moore, D-McDowell, says he’ll block the Ghent toll plaza the day the tolls go up as a show of protest.
Parkways Authority Chairman Jim Pitrolo said Thursday he hopes it doesn't come to that. "He says he's going to block the Turnpike if there's an increase in tolls, but since we haven't made a decision on that we can only hope we can come up with something Delegate Moore can be more comfortable with," he said.
A 60 percent toll increase is under consideration in order to keep pace with the road's bond payments and maintenance needs. Drivers of regular vehicles would pay $2.00 a tollbooth; commercial trucks $6.75 per toll.
Pitrolo stresses no final decisions have been made and different variations of a toll increase are under consideration. "Realizing there's a goal of a certain amount of money that needs to be raised," Pitrolo said. "We're certainly trying to keep the burden as low as possible on the citizens of West Virginia that must travel that (the Turnpike) everyday to get too and from work."
Pitrolo says it's the concern about daily travel by state residents that came out loud and clear in four recent public hearings. "We heard from the people, the citizens that need to use that in their everyday lives and we are sensitive to that," Pitrolo said.
The Parkways Authority will review all public comments during a work session to be scheduled for either June 22 or June 23. The special meeting to vote on a toll increase is June 25.
