Steve Roberts: ‘Prosperity’ amendment will help all West Virginians (Huntington Herald-Dispatch)

September 26, 2017

On Oct. 7, West Virginia voters have the opportunity to influence the state’s future. The Roads to Prosperity Amendment of 2017 enables our state to make positive changes that can bring real results – changes that benefit every West Virginian.

This desperately needed amendment provides funds for roads that are in need of repair and an investment to construct new roads, highways and bridges. In addition to improving transportation and safety, it also helps the economy by making needed enhancements to our infrastructure.

Economic development experts and companies looking to locate businesses will immediately say infrastructure is among the top priorities placed on site selection. Improvements to our transportation system will lead to economic growth, which means jobs for West Virginians. This is a fact. When improvements to infrastructure were made in Cabell, Wayne and Mason counties, industrial parks sprang up near the highways as a result.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a groundbreaking ceremony in the Kanawha Valley.

During opening remarks, a company representative spoke about the beauty of our state and its people. He said of the 49 states he has visited, West Virginia has the nicest, kindest people; I could not agree more.

He also said locating the company’s first facility in West Virginia and having the company headquartered here was an easy decision.

This, he said, is based upon the abundance of natural gas and an available workforce.

We need to hear more comments like this, and the Roads to Prosperity helps to create the blueprint to make that happen.

With enhancements to our infrastructure through improved roads, bridges and highways, the reward will come to all traveling in West Virginia. It means school buses have safer routes, drivers have better roads that are without potholes, and development specialists can promote a state serious about attracting new employers.

There will be no new taxes to make this happen.

The 2017 legislature took care of the cost by providing funds.

The improvements will come through the gas tax, DMV fees and turnpike fees that are in place.

This amendment will bring positive change to West Virginia – now and into the future.

It is needed. It will be effective.

However, it does require voter backing. Public support is needed to endorse the timing and the approach.

West Virginians deserve prosperity; they deserve the best.

Voting “yes” on Oct. 7 will set the stage for what will make a positive difference for residents across all 55 counties of the state.

Steve Roberts is president of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.