Blue Ribbon Commission
An article by the Charleston Gazette stated in regards to the Blue Ribbon Commission: "Nearly two years since its creation by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, and nearly a year after it issued recommendations for funding state roads, the final report of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways has yet to be issued -- although it will be released by next month, according to the commission chairman.
Due to the water crisis, session and numerous other issues the final report did not get issued in the timely fashion. Jason Pittizella and the three committee chairs – Bob Orders, Revenue Committee Chair; Joe Deneault, Infrastructure Committee Chair; and Jan Vineyard, Legislative and Public Outreach Committee Chair are currently meeting with hopes of having the final plan ready by November 1st.
Here is another news article - U.S. 33 in WV: Deadly Curves and Dangerous Drop Offs - from the Charleston Gazette, which you may find of interest regarding our roads.
Strong Possibility of Special Session on Aboveground Storage Tanks
On behalf of OMEGA and WVTA members, Jan Vineyard met with Governor Tomblin late last week to convey the concerns members have with SB 373 and the aboveground storage tank (AST) portion of the bill. Jan told Governor Tomblin that members are having difficulty getting tanks registered by October 1st and stressed that they were trying their best. Jan further stated that members did not see any way possible to have required tank inspections done by January 1, 2015. The Governor also has concerns and has been speaking daily with DEP regarding the issues surrounding the AST portion of the bill. He stated that he thought the easiest solution at this time would to be to call a Special Session in November to delay the inspection date until January 1, 2016. We applaud Governor Tomblin, as well as DEP Secretary Randy Huffman and staff, President Kessler and Speaker Miley who all agree this is the best course of action. This also will allow for technical fixes to the bill as well. Anytime an important piece of legislation is drafted and passed in only sixty days there is always a need for corrections. The intent of the legislation will stay intact, but some changes will be necessary when the session begins in January 2016.
ATA Issues Guidance to Motor Carriers Regarding Sleep Apnea Screening
ATA has issued guidance designed to assist motor carriers and drivers when discussing obstructive sleep apnea with medical examiners. The guidance informs motor carrier about recent changes to the medical examiner certification process and provides suggested questions trucking companies and drivers can use to frame a discussion with doctors about reasonable expectations for the OSA screening and treatment. Also included in the guidance is an explanation of what is required of the medical examiner under current regulations and clarification of many common misconceptions on the issue.
Please find attached the two Guidance documents, including Choosing A Certified Medical Examiner and Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Commercial Driver Medical Qualification Final.
WV Professional Truck Drivers to Compete in National Driving Championship Aug. 12-16
We issued this press release today. We wish our WV drivers good luck next week in Pittsburgh!
Charleston, WV (August 2014) – Nine West Virginia professional truck drivers will compete in the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championship – also known as the Super Bowl of Safety – taking place in Pittsburgh, PA, August 12-16, 2014.
Jan Vineyard, President of the West Virginia Trucking Association, said, “West Virginia – home to some of the safest, most professional truck drivers in America – is always well represented at this industry-revered event. We wish our drivers the best of luck!”
WV Trucking Association Announces Driving Champions & Safety Award Winners
William Adkins of FedEx Freight Named Grand Champion
Last Saturday, the West Virginia Trucking Association held their 59th Annual Truck Driving Championship in Charleston, WV. 33 drivers from around the State competed in the championship with William Adkins of the Kenova, WV terminal being named Grand Champion.
Adkins, a driver for FedEx Freight, took the top honor after competing in a variety of skill and safety tests. While he won his class in 2011 and competed at the National Truck Driving Championship, this is the first time he has won the Grand Champion Award.
West Virginia Trucking Association members receive a 2.7% discount
