Connecticut’s transportation program is running out of money due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but state lawmakers insist they will not raise the gas tax or impose higher tolls. Their short-term solution is to borrow more money. Read more>>
Since 2004, Oklahoma has reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges on the state highway system by 93 percent. Now, just 86 deficient bridges remain, and the state legislature has committed to increase annual funding to finish those projects. Read more>>
Oklahoma legislators announced a $7.7 billion 2021 budget plan that would temporarily divert pension and transportation funding to minimize cuts to other state agencies. The bill now goes to Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) who is reviewing the bill. Read more>>
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) may delay non-critical bridge and highway projects if the state does not receive from $700 million to $800 million in COVID-19 federal aid this summer. Critical projects in the pipeline and under construction will move forward, but PennDOT Acting Secretary Yassmin Gramian said leaders are concerned about funding for upcoming fiscal year. Read more>>
These states say declining motor fuel tax revenue collections due to reduced traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic are impacting transportation construction and repair projects:
- New Jersey gas sales are down about 70 percent, which means less revenue for the Transportation Trust Fund that pays for road and rail improvements. Read more>>
- Pennsylvania highway and bridge construction which was paused due to health concerns has resumed, however March liquid fuels tax receipts were down 16 percent to 84 percent compared to previous monthly averages. This means less money for state and local transportation, but the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it is too early to estimate the impacts of a continued shortfall. Read more>>
- California could lose $370 million in highway and transit funds, according to a new study from UC Davis’ Road Ecology Center. Read more>>
- Colorado Springs, Colorado will cut $20 million from its budget this year. Road construction is still expected to continue due to an extra $13 million generated by a 2016 voter-approved road funding sales tax. Read more>>
- The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission has recommended postponing funding for new projects until later in the year. Funding remains available for already approved projects. Read more>>
- Illinois could lose from $296 million to $559 million in gas tax revenue this year, which may delay some big state road and rail projects, according to a report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute. Read more>>
- The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) estimates that revenue shortfalls have caused delays in all but 50 major projects for the next year. Read more>>
- North Carolina Gov. Cooper (D) signed into law two pieces of legislation that will provide $300 million for transportation = work if the federal CARES Act is amended. Read more>>