Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 184-4-2 - Application Procedures2.1. Only not-for-profit groups or organizations may apply. An individual may not submit an application but may work through a not-for-profit group to sponsor a sign, kiosk or monument. Such sponsorship must be identified by the group in the request. The Parkways Authority staff and Board will decide what evidence is acceptable and sufficient for the determination of approval. Eligibility to apply as a not-for-profit group or organization shall be determined by whether the applicant is and continues to be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a qualified non-profit entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants who are denied for any reason may not reapply for 12 months.2.2. The Parkways Authority staff and Board will consider each request to place a sign, kiosk or monument on the properties of the travel plazas, rest areas, Tamarack and welcome center based upon any or all of the following criteria:$ Property availability
$ Size and design
$ Location placement
$ State, local or regional significance
$ Creation of positive public interest
$ Enjoyment for the traveling public
$ Foster respect and appreciation of otherwise under-recognized aspects of West Virginia's culture and heritage
$ Commemoration of places, events, or persons prominently identified with the history or prehistory of the nation, state or region and possession of some degree of unique significance in West Virginia in terms of history, architecture or cultural life
$ A natural site must possess unusual qualities or unique geological, scenic or historical qualities for the area or region class=Section3
2.3. If a sign, kiosk or monument is to be placed at an eligible Turnpike location that is named in honor of an individual or group, there should be evidence of community support and acceptance. An example of support could be from state and federal legislators representing the area of the facility, resolutions passed by local, publicly elected bodies in the area of the facility, or supportive action by or letters from local organizations such as local chambers of commerce or service clubs.2.4. If a naming request is submitted for a person who has recently died, the Authority shall not act on the request for at least twelve months after the date of passing to allow for a respectful period of mourning. The Authority shall exercise extra caution in placing a sign, kiosk or monument in honor of a living person, giving extra consideration to the appropriateness of the timing of the naming in context of the individual's life and current standing in the community. Consideration shall be given to whether the person or group made a significant contribution to the State of West Virginia or the community and region in the proposed area of the travel plaza, rest area, Tamarack facility or welcome center and whether that person or group had a positive long-term effect on the lives of the people that they represented. Significance implies contributions or leadership of an outstanding nature. Individuals who, for example served in the military or in Congress must have served with distinction in some other capacity that is not purely of local note or importance. The Authority shall not single out individuals to be recognized when many people have shared equally in an event of historical importance.2.5. This policy does not permit proposals for commercial advertisements within the travel plazas, rest areas, welcome center or other properties. The Authority currently has travel kiosks located inside the plazas advising tourists of: tourist attractions; entertainment; hotels; motels; restaurants; gas stations; etc. The kiosks contemplated by this rule are for education and as a public service to motorists on the West Virginia Turnpike, to stimulate tourism and recognize economic development opportunities for the region and the State of West Virginia.2.6. An application fee of $25.00 will be charged for each request submitted to the Authority and applicant shall be responsible for reimbursing the Authority for all expenses it incurs during the application and review process.