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Bill

HB 4421

Providing guidelines for the West Virginia Parkways Authority to cease tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike upon completion of all bond payments

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 8 co-sponsors

HB 4421 requires the West Virginia Parkways Authority to eliminate West Virginia Turnpike tolls once all bond debt is fully repaid.

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Bill Summary · HB 4421

Legislative bill overview

HB 4421 establishes a directive for the West Virginia Parkways Authority to eliminate tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike once all outstanding bond obligations have been fully repaid. The bill essentially codifies an end-date mechanism for toll collection, tying the cessation of tolls to the completion of debt service rather than leaving it to administrative discretion.

Why is this important

The West Virginia Turnpike is a major revenue-generating asset for the state, and tolls represent a significant funding mechanism for road maintenance and infrastructure projects. This bill addresses a longstanding public concern about perpetual toll collection while establishing fiscal clarity about when drivers can expect toll-free access. The measure directly affects millions of annual users and the state's long-term transportation funding model.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding gap: Eliminating tolls removes a dedicated revenue stream; legislators must address how maintenance and future improvements will be funded once bonds are retired
  • Timeline uncertainty: Bond payoff dates depend on interest rates, refinancing, and toll collection rates—the bill may need clarity on what happens if repayment timelines shift
  • Competing priorities: Some may argue tolls should continue for ongoing infrastructure needs rather than being time-limited, while others view this as essential consumer protection against indefinite toll collection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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