West Virginia Senate Bill SCR59

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Report Pass: 3/8/22
• Engrossed: 3/9/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Respectfully urging executive branches of US government and State of WV to provide adequate staffing for governmental agencies involved in infrastructure projects

Impact

SCR59 underscores the significant delays caused by insufficient staffing in agencies responsible for environmental and construction permits. By urging both the U.S. government and the West Virginia state administration to address these issues, the resolution aims to mitigate obstacles that impede infrastructure advancement. As infrastructure in West Virginia has been described as being poor and at risk—reflected by a concerning 'D' rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers—promoting adequate staffing is positioned as vital for public safety and effective use of federal funding.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 59 (SCR59) was introduced by Senators Jeffries, Clements, Boley, Karnes, Maynard, and Roberts to advocate for increased staffing levels across governmental agencies and departments involved in permitting processes for infrastructure projects in West Virginia. With the promise of future funding from federal initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the resolution highlights the need for efficient permit processing to expedite necessary construction and improvements to critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, water and wastewater systems, and broadband access.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR59 seems overwhelmingly positive, especially among those who support infrastructure development. Proponents view the resolution as a necessary step to ensure timely construction and safety of infrastructure, citing the urgency of avoiding delays that could cost communities both money and time. The support reflected in the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate indicates a broad consensus about the importance of addressing staffing shortages in agencies that manage vital infrastructure projects.

Contention

While SCR59 itself may have received broad support, underlying contentions exist regarding the implementation of recommended staffing increases. Critics often highlight financial and logistical challenges in enhancing these agencies, suggesting that simply urging for more staff may not address deeper systemic issues related to infrastructure management. Furthermore, there are concerns about the effectiveness of federal intervention versus local management of permitting processes, raising questions over the best approach to achieve the necessary improvements in infrastructure development.