WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
2025 REGULAR SESSION
Introduced
Senate Bill 924
By Senator Maynard
[Introduced March 24, 2025; referredto the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; and then to the Committee on Finance]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §17-2F-1, §17-2F-2, §17-2F-3, §17-2F-4, §17-2F-5, §17-2F-6, §17-2F-7, §17-2F-8, and §17-2F-9, relating to creating the Country Roads Act; permitting counties to request the Department of Highways to map all scenic and back roads within the county for tourism purposes; establishing an application process for counties; establishing reporting and review; providing funding; requiring creation of a mobile application; and requiring road surface classification.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
## article 2F. the country roads mapping and marketing act.
This act shall be known as the "West Virginia Country Roads Mapping and Marketing Act".
(a) West Virginia’s back roads are a valuable asset for tourism, economic development, and local businesses.
(b) Counties should have a tool to promote scenic and recreational travel routes while ensuring accurate and accessible mapping.
(c) Providing an interactive mapping system will benefit both local residents and visitors by improving navigation and awareness of unique travel opportunities.
(a) Counties may apply to the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) for an exhaustive mapping process of their back roads and secondary routes.
(b) The WVDOH shall develop a standardized application process for counties to request mapping services.
(c) Approved counties shall have their roads digitally mapped, with routes identified for scenic, historic, and recreational value.
(a) The WVDOH shall classify all mapped roads according to existing division standards, including but not limited to:
(1) Paved (Asphalt or Concrete);
(2) Gravel or Aggregate; and
(3) Dirt/Unimproved.
(b) In addition to existing classifications, the WVDOH shall designate roads that require high-clearance, four-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicles due to rough terrain, stream crossings, or steep grades.
(c) The interactive map and app shall clearly display surface classifications and 4x4-only designations to assist travelers in route selection.
(a) The WVDOH shall create an interactive, publicly accessible map of approved counties.
(b) The map shall be editable by the public to allow for notes, route recommendations, points of interest, and road condition updates, subject to moderation by the county commission.
(c) Data from the mapping project shall be integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) compatible format and made available to counties.
(a) The WVDOH shall work with technology partners to develop a mobile application that allows users to navigate mapped routes and view user-added notes.
(b) The app shall serve as a marketing tool for counties to promote tourism, travel, and outdoor recreation on back roads.
(a) The WVDOH shall issue a request for proposals (RFP) to develop the mapping technology and app infrastructure.
(b) Funding for this program shall be provided through the WVDOH tourism and infrastructure budget, with potential for grant partnerships.
(a) The WVDOH shall submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing county participation, app usage, and the program’s impact on tourism.
(b) Counties may provide feedback and request updates or modifications to the mapping system.
This act shall take effect immediately on passage.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create the Country Roads Mapping and Marketing Act.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.