New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy approved a combined $24.5 billion capital plan for the state Turnpike Authority and Transportation Authority. Murphy also approved an average toll increase of 57 cents for passenger vehicles, set to take effect on Sept. 13. Read more>>
State lawmakers authorized the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to borrow $200 million to sustain projects and bond payments. The agency also approved two project contracts for a total of $108 million to repair 15 state bridges. Read more>>
In Montana, Missoula County voters approved a 2-cent local excise gasoline tax, estimated to generate $1.1 million annually- mostly for road construction and maintenance. The ballot question was approved by a 51-49% margin. Read more>>
Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) proposed a five-year $3.6 billion road construction plan for review by the Iowa Transportation Commission. IDOT Director Stuart Anderson said certain road projects over the next five years may be delayed due to declining revenue and increasing construction costs. Read more>>
Also, Iowa DOT officials have announced a $3.6 billion, five-year transportation plan which includes over $2 billion to modernize highways and safety features. Department officials said increased construction costs have delayed some projects, but none have been canceled. Read more>>
Missouri’s gas tax revenue has proven more resilient to pandemic pressures. The state’s gas tax receipts of $171.7 million are up from $164.7 million this time last year. Total year-to-date motor fuel receipts are $221.3 million, down slightly from $223.3 million this time in 2019. Read more>>
In Illinois, reduced gas tax and motor vehicle registration revenue could have lasting ramifications for road projects, said Paul Wappel of the Illinois Department of Transportation. However, traffic volumes are returning to normal according to state reports. Read more>>
The Alabama Department of Revenue reported that gas tax and diesel tax revenue has increased by 30 percent and 28.5 percent respectively despite pandemic economic pressures. This revenue is available due to the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act which will raise the state gas tax 10-cents-per-gallon by 2021. Read more>>
Also in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) announced $1.7 million in local road and bridge funding. Part of a Rebuild Alabama Act program, a total of $10 million is awarded to fund local roads and bridges each fiscal year. Read more>>
Colorado Department of Transportation budget writers said $100 million in planned cuts will be partially offset by strong investor demand for state-issued debt. 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:
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike system could generate $171.91 million less in anticipated revenue from mid-March through the end of June, said Frank Gamrat, executive director of the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. The Turnpike Commission has not officially reported financial data since the start of the pandemic. Read more>>
- In Michigan, fuel tax revenue has declined by about 22 percent, which could affect future local road projects, said Alex Patsy of the Genesee County Road Commission. Read more>>
- The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is planning for $143 million in budget cuts this biennium due to declining highway fund revenues. NDOT Deputy Director Cole Mortensen said the department has identified $72.8 million in project reductions and postponements this fiscal year. Read more>>
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said he’s agreed with lawmakers on reducing the Road Fund due to decreased tax revenue. Read more>>
- The Missouri Department of Transportation is reducing staff hours, wages, and agency purchases to free up more money in the state’s road fund, according to Patrick McKenna, the department’s spokesman. Read more>>
- The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is facing a projected $200 million budget shortfall over the next 25 years said agency representatives. State Rep. Brad Witt (D – 32) said ODOT revenue is increasing at a rate of 2% each year, while operational costs are increasing at a 6% rate. Read more>>