As citizens digest the release of The West Virginia Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways findings, West Virginia University’s Hota GangaRao says that identifying revenue streams is a critical part of resolving West Virginia’s infrastructure challenges.

GangaRao is a Wadsworth Distinguished Professor in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and has focused his research on civil infrastructure.

“Our actual spending on the West Virginia highway system has decreased about 30 percent since 1996,” said GangaRao. “The State Legislature has to think in terms of increasing revenues toward the upkeep of roads and bridges.”

GangaRao suggests increasing taxes and tolls to generate revenue and deploying innovative solutions to use those dollars to improve the quality of materials used to build highways and bridges.

“It’s an ideal time to increase the gas tax because the rate is relatively low in comparison to other states,” said GangaRao. “Another way to obtain additional revenue is to raise the rates for the West Virginia Turnpike.”

“We need to utilize better innovation in terms of fixing highways and bridges,” he said. “We should be using better quality materials with better durability.”

The release of the 60-page report comes nearly three years after Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin formed the Commission and charged its 31 members to identify the issues facing West Virginia’s transportation system and propose a long-term strategic plan for addressing infrastructure improvements.

In addition to his role as a Wadsworth Distinguished Professor, GangaRao is the director of the Constructed Facilities Center housed in the Statler College. He is an expert in civil infrastructure and has been conducting independent research since 1969. GangaRao has authored over 300 technical publications. He is available to discuss the findings of the West Virginia Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways and matters related to civil engineering, roadways, bridges and infrastructure.

West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVU Today.

-WVU-

hr/05/19/15

CONTACT: Hota GangaRao, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304.293.9986; Hota.GangaRao@mail.wvu.edu

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