Associated Press Published

West Virginia Officials: Staffing Issues Slowing Road Repair

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West Virginia officials say staffing issues are slowing road repairs and they’re seeking ways to hire more to increase fixes and maintenance.

New outlets report Gov. Jim Justice has asked each of the state Transportation Department’s 10 districts to make secondary road maintenance a priority amid shortages of workers and equipment. He said at a news conference Tuesday that the state has ditched and bladed more than 2,000 miles (3,220 kilometers) in the last month.

District 2 officials met Monday in Huntington to discuss funding and projects.

Republican state Del. Daniel Linville of Cabell County says one problem is a long hiring process with several levels of bureaucracy. The vice chairman of the Technology and Infrastructure Committee also says he’ll shape legislation after reviewing the department’s hiring to help make it more efficient.