SB 94 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to Robert C. Byrd Corridor H Highway Authority

SB 94 continues the Robert C. Byrd Corridor H Highway Authority, which serves the economic development needs of seven counties (Lewis, Upshur, Barbour, Randolph, Tucker, Grant, and Hardy) along Corridor H. The bill establishes the authority’s structure, including 21 voting members appointed by the seven counties (three per county) and five ex-officio nonvoting members from state agencies (like the Department of Highways and Economic Development). It outlines meeting rules (requiring 11 voting members for a quorum), confirms members receive expense reimbursements but no salary, and defines the authority’s duties to foster economic partnerships, develop tourism assets, and manage property to support regional growth. The authority must report annually to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Feb 18, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Committee Substitute · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten from an original draft establishing a new authority to a substitute version that continues an existing 1997 authority. The most critical change is the shift in scope: the original bill proposed creating a new entity with 21 voting members, while the substitute version maintains the pre-existing authority structure and adds extensive new powers, including the ability to mortgage property, sue in court, and accept federal grants.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from establishing a new authority with a specific 21-member voting structure to continuing an existing authority created in 1997 and expanding its legal powers to include litigation, security interests, and broader grant acceptance capabilities.

SCOPE

The bill now explicitly continues an existing authority created by the 1997 Legislature rather than establishing a new one.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific requirement for the authority to submit an annual written report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 1.

Removed the original proposal for a 21-member voting body and replaced it with the continuation of the existing authority structure.

ENFORCEMENT

Granted the authority the power to represent itself in court, negotiate contracts, and appoint legal counsel.

FISCAL

Expanded financial powers to include mortgaging property, accepting federal grants and loans, and accepting gifts or grants of property and services.

DEFINITION

Added a new section detailing the authority's powers and duties, including maintaining sinking funds and reserves.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 18, 2026

Committee

To Finance

upper

Feb 18, 2026

Committee

Committee substitute reported, but first to Finance

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

To Economic Development

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Committee

To Economic Development then Finance

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors