One state calculates the impact of a 2015 transportation funding increase, two states feel the pinch of transportation funding shortfalls, and leaders in three states look to increase the state gasoline tax.
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Preliminary results from an independent study suggest that Georgia’s 2015 legislative action to increase transportation funding will reduce traffic delays by 5 percent and could grow the state economy by as much as $2 billion. Read More.
Without new revenue to meet transportation funding match requirements, Minnesota could lose federal funding to build the proposed Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) line that would connect Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Read More.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will dip into the agency’s cash reserves in order to ensure they are able to meet their federal match requirement. Read More.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) on April 18 reiterated his intent to increase the state gasoline tax in order to address the Transportation Trust Fund’s shortfall. Read More.
Also on April 18 Alaska Rep. Cathy Muñoz (R- District 34) predicted the legislature was likely to increase the state gas tax during an extension of the regular session. Read More.
New Jersey Democratic senators unveiled a plan April 19 to generate between $1.6 billion to $2 billion in new transportation funding. The plan would increase the state gasoline tax while adjusting the estate tax, creating a charitable deduction for the state income tax, and reducing taxes on retirement income. Read More.