Legislative leaders from southern West Virginia are promising a fight if state officials try to raise tolls on the 88-mile West Virginia Turnpike.

Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin says he'll introduce legislation eliminating tolls altogether if another toll increase is proposed.

Senate Minority Leader Don Caruth says the turnpike's maintenance issues are common to other highways across the state, and turnpike drivers shouldn't have to shoulder a greater burden than other residents.

Officials with the state Parkways, Tourism and Economic Development Authority say the first toll hike since 1981 is badly needed for repairs and maintenance.

The authority plans a media tour of the highway this week to highlight some of the problems.