As the world seeks to become more "green," West Virginia can't rely on a gasoline sales tax to fund the state's roads and bridges, said Delegate Orphy Klempa.
He predicts a road "user fee" might be among the alternatives considered by state lawmakers when the West Virginia Legislature convenes for regular session on Jan. 13.
Klempa serves as vice chairman of the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
"We already have a shortage of funding for roads and infrastructure," noted Klempa, D-Ohio. "And as we become more efficient in using fuels, that's going to get even worse. People are going to be buying less gas, and that is going to have an effect on our road fund
"We're still going to have as many of those and bridges, just as asphalt is getting more expensive. We're going to have to look at a better way to maintain our roads."
One way is through a yearly "user fee" based on miles driven, he said. Miles traveled during the year could be recorded and the fee assessed at the time of a car's required annual inspection in West Virginia. Meanwhile, drivers wouldn't be paying the state's gas tax at the pump.
"The problem is we have some residents who use the roads, but don't pay taxes," Klempa said. "They don't have cars, but still have people driving them places.
"We all use roads and bridges, even if don't all have cars or buy gas. But if someone needs to go to hospital, they still need to get there on our roads and bridges."
There is also talk of assessing a flat tax on state residents to pay for infrastructure.
"It's a 'touchy' type of tax to implement," Klempa admitted.
In addition to the Roads and Transportation Committee, Klempa serves on two other committees: finance; and energy, industry and Labor/ Economic Development and Small Business.