Construction crews in most states continued to work on critical transportation infrastructure projects while taking COVID-19 precautions, according to a March 23-27 of ARTBA members. Nearly 75% of respondents expected financial or material disruptions, and two-thirds were experiencing changes or adjustments to project schedules. Read more>>
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced an aid package for public transportation systems. The funding requires no local match and can be used for capital, operating, and other expenses related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more>>
In New Jersey, motor fuel tax revenue collections have significantly declined as traffic volume has dropped by half. This could lead to a gas tax increase later this year under a 2016 state law that allows yearly adjustments to ensure the gas tax generates about $2 billion in revenue. Read more>>
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will lose up to $200 million in the next three months because of COVID-19, Chief Operating Officer Bobby Lewis said. Most of this loss is due to lower gas and highway use taxes, and car sales revenue, which account for about 75 percent of NCDOT’s state revenue. Read more>>
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says it will continue 188 road and bridge projects, and 66 airport, transit, and railroad projects, planned for the 2020 construction season. Construction and maintenance workers are considered critical and exempt from the state’s COVID-19 stay at home order. Read more>>
New Hampshire gas tax revenues in March, $96 million, were almost identical to last year’s figures, a trend seen in other New Hampshire Highway Fund collection mechanisms. However, traffic decreased significantly in late March and revenue over the summer is expected to decline. Read more>>
In Florida’s Tampa Bay region, Hillsborough County commissioners voted to defer public hearings on a back-up transportation tax until 2021, citing the health emergency and related financial strain. Neighboring Pinellas County commissioners also tabled discussions on a referendum to approve a sales tax to pay for billions of dollars in transportation system improvements. Read more>>
According to state Rep. Jake Fey (D – 27), Washington State is in the early stages of steep transportation revenue shortfall. Sales tax, ferry service, and other tolling revenues have all declined due to the emergency, state officials says. Read more>>
Indiana received a combined $126.5 million in state matching transportation funds. The money will finance approved upgrades or replacements for 2,085 roads and 11 bridges, Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. Read more>>
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) has signed a bipartisan transportation bill to finish transportation investment projects started by the previous administration. Instead of a 10-year list of projects, modernization and expansion work will be selected every two years. Each county will receive at least $8 million for transportation improvements. Read more>>
Nevada will receive almost $167.5 million in federal funding to cope with the pandemic’s impact on its transit programs. Henderson is due to receive over $112 million; Carson City, more than $3.7 million; and the Nevada Department of Transportation over $21.7 million. Read more>>