Legislature, Congress need to track road funds

Brenda Bonnett, Arthurdale
In July 2017, Rep. Evan Jenkin, R-W.Va., announced $45 billion in federal funding had been allotted for West Virginia’s road infrastructure.
In December 2017, the state Legislature authorized $1.6 billion in bonds to be issued for repairs to roads and bridges. Now, Gov. Jim Justice is doing “Road to Prosperity” PSAs to motivate West Virginians to invest in the state’s roads.
I would like an account of where proceeds from federal funding, fuel excise taxes, driver’s license renewal and vehicle registration fees, and sales/privilege taxes were spent.
The state’s House Finance Committee and Congress’ House Appropriations Committee need to track where these funds have been used, because they sure haven’t been on our roads.
How can Morgantown City Council justify spending the $3 weekly user fee on “something else” other than road repairs?
The state could save millions on eliminating the unnecessary mountain of red tape drivers tolerate when attempting to get reimbursed by the Department of Transportation for damages due to needed road repairs.
In January 2017, my passenger side front and back (new) tires were busted to shreds when I unavoidably hit a crater on W.Va. 705. The DOT “might” decide to reimburse me, but only for the deductible ($500) on my car insurance. The total cost was $750.
I would have to file a claim on my car insurance to be reimbursed for the remaining amount, which I’m not going to do because I don’t want to pay higher rates, so the state cheated me out of $250.
After getting the run around from the DOT’s attorney for the past 16 months, there will have to be a hearing to determine if the DOT is liable for the damages and then it will be another four to six months if the state decides to reimburse me.
There’s something seriously wrong with the system in Charleston.