| Members of a union protested the West Virginia Department of Highways auction Saturday, claiming it was an attempt by the Manchin administration to begin the privatization of the highway department.
Highway officials, offering testimony before a legislative committee and making comments to the state's press, appear to be offering different explanations about the agencies directions.
Officially, DOH says there is no movement toward privatization.
DOH's John Walker says the agency made $1.3 million from the auction of endloaders, dump trucks and other heavy equipment.
DOH claims it pulled in only outdated and worn out equipment, but local highway officials say that is just part of the story.
Walker told the media it is business as usual.
| 
