The Washington Road Usage Charge Pilot Project has successfully enrolled 2,000 drivers from across the state to explore a new way to fund state transportation improvements, according to members of the state’s steering committee. “With the start of the 12-month road usage charge pilot project, Washington is taking the next step in figuring out how we can find a long-term replacement for the gas tax,” said Rep. Judy Clibborn, chair of the House Transportation Committee and member of the Washington Road Usage Charge Steering Committee. Almost 5,000 drivers from across the state expressed interest in taking part in the pilot project.
The Vermont House of Representatives approved a $612 million transportation budget on March 21, prioritizing paving, bridges and roadway safety projects, as part of transportation bill H.917. The budget closely resembles one the state department of transportation recommended on behalf of Gov. Phil Scott (R ). The plan now moves to the state Senate where transportation advocates hope it will be approved and sent the governor by mid-May.
The budget debated March 27 in the Missouri House of Representatives included $82 million in additional funding for road projects, taken from the transportation reserve fund which will have a balance of $693 million if the legislature and the governor approve the plan. The $82 million is a small chunk of the additional $825 million a year the state department of transportation says the agency needs to properly maintain roads and bridges. There are several bills in the legislature calling for an increase in the state fuel tax, pegged at 17 cents per gallon since 1996.