Transportation

HB 4464 creates an Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board to enforce rules preventing damage to underground infrastructure like gas pipelines, water mains, and telecom lines during excavation work. It defines key terms (such as "damage," "excavator," and "underground facility") and requires excavators to notify operators before digging. The bill specifies that civil penalties collected by the Board for violations must stay with the Board for its operations, rather than returning to the state general fund. This directly affects contractors, utility operators, and anyone performing excavation work in West Virginia.

SB 690 creates a new "general contractor/construction manager" (GCM) procurement method for West Virginia's Division of Highways (DOH) to use on highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects. This alternative procedure, authorized under federal law (23 U.S.C. 112), would allow the DOH to bypass traditional design-build bidding requirements for eligible projects. The bill directs the DOH to develop specific rules for implementing GCM agreements, including conditions and terms for entering such contracts. The change would primarily affect highway construction contractors and the DOH's project delivery process, offering a streamlined option for project procurement. The bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee for review.

SB 752 transfers authority to permit motor vehicle racing events on public roads from county commissions to the West Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT). It repeals a provision allowing counties to authorize such events and instead requires racing organizers to obtain permits directly from the DOT, which will charge a fee to cover administrative costs. Organizers must provide proof of insurance, emergency planning, traffic control plans, and written permissions from local governments. The bill also clarifies that DOT permit requirements override certain road obstruction and speed laws, and shifts liability to permittees (not the state) for any injuries or property damage during sanctioned events.