Klempa Predicts ‘User Fee’ for W.Va. Roads
By JOSELYN KINGAs 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.
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USMCDeathPimp
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01-03-10 2:42 PM
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From what I remember, the LICENSE PLATE was a user fee. AND federal funding is already our taxes, coming back to the state for bridges and roads.
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LordDunmore
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01-02-10 6:03 PM
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This socialist mindset is in Klempas blood. Throw the idiot out of office. He does not understand that you can only spend the revenue you have. If you don't have it, cut spending. STOP with the FEES & TAXES, we are doing all we can to make it now. BRING WAKIM BACK!
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CF0286
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01-02-10 1:38 PM
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Is this the type of representation we have in Charleston? I live in West Virginia, pay taxes in West Virginia but have to work in Pennsylvania secondary to employment. I travel about 20 miles on West Virginia roads per day and average about 200 miles per day on my vehicle to get to my employment. WOW what a brilliant man we have in Charleston in Orphy Klempa, making it harder on the working man. Maybe you should look at creating jobs for West Virginian in the state so they do not have to go to other states to work. ORPHY get your head out of your proverbial backside and wake up.
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Highland
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01-02-10 11:57 AM
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This is what we get for electing this not-terribly-bright union hack to the Legislature.
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Reactionary
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01-02-10 11:32 AM
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ersoman, not a bad line of thought! To take it one step farther, why not a "premium tax" on Cadillacs, Lincolns and other high dollar cars? Why not make all roads outside city streets and Interstates "Toll roads"? How about an EXTRA USER FEE on desiel fuel for semis? Where does it END? "One way is through a yearly "user fee" based on miles driven, he said." It would appear that the STATE wants to keep an "eyeball" on how many miles you drive now! And how would that impact 'out-of-state' drivers? I don't think this idea will go very far, and by tomorrow, ole Orphy will wish he hadn't mentioned it at all!
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ersoman
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01-02-10 10:06 AM
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Why don't we close the state parks and lodges instead of more taxes. The working man is paying for building and maintaining these places but can't afford the high prices to stay there****panies enjoy them at our expense.
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broketaxpayer01
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01-02-10 9:40 AM
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Orphy-I am for the working man-Klempa. Ha Ha! Get ready folks-drivers license fees going up. WV State inspection for your car-going up. Vehicle registration fees-going up. The 5% tax on vehicle purchases-going up. A "user fee" for roads!?!?!?!. Ignorant, no STUPID, ignorant means you don't know, Stupid means you will never know. We got what we voted for! ENJOY
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TrollSlayer
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01-02-10 9:23 AM
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"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." Huh? What ignorant statements. Does Orphy think those people who “drive them places” and “use roads and bridges” don’t pay the current taxes on the gasoline they use to do those things?
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Reactionary
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01-02-10 8:22 AM
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With all due respect towards Orphy, raising or "Creating" a new tax is a typical democrat solution to money problems. Don't be suprised if the State tax on gasoline doesn't go up also! BTW---what happened to all the money Gambling was supposed to bring in?
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rover1958
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01-02-10 1:56 AM
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So this doofus Predicts User Fees on roads. How about I 'Predict' Klempa and others supporting this harebrained scheme lose the next election!
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PCGS70
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01-02-10 12:51 AM
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Here we go. More taxes! I hope someone shoots him.
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