Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (R) told reporters Dec. 19 that he has not yet released his transportation funding plan due to a request by some Republican legislators, who are currently working on their own proposal. Read More>>
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) included a 16 cents-per-gallon gas tax increase in his proposed 2017 budget released Dec. 15. The tax would be gradually phased in, raising the state gas tax from 8 cents per gallon to 16 cents per gallon on July 1, 2017, and to 24 cents per gallon on July 1, 2018. The proposed budget also includes the creation of a “transportation maintenance fund” where all gas tax proceeds would be deposited for the maintenance and operation of the state highway system. Read More>>
An Indiana legislative task force on Dec. 19 recommended increasing state motor fuel taxes, indexing the taxes to changes in inflation, and instituting new vehicle fees as part of a comprehensive package to provide needed transportation funding. House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said the recommendations will help provide the groundwork for developing a sustainable revenue source for the state’s roads and bridges. Read More>>
As a result of Montana’s decision to delay transportation construction projects, contractors are warning employees that they may not have work in the spring when construction season normally begins. Contractors are also delaying or canceling new equipment orders. Darryl James, executive director of the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, warned that the state may lose well-trained road builders to other states that can offer steady employment. Read More>>