State legislators in 32 states introduced 113 transportation funding measures in the first two months of 2021, according to ARTBA’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (ARTBA-TIAC). They are seeking to bridge construction and repair revenue shortfalls created by past failures to keep up with investment needs, economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncertainty about the next federal surface transportation reauthorization.

Highlights from February include:

  • South Dakota lawmakers approved an annual $50 fee for electric motor vehicles.
  • Utah legislators passed a bill to provide nearly $1.1 billion in bonds and one-time appropriations for transportation construction. It awaits the governor’s signature.
  • Washington state lawmakers are expected to introduce a significant transportation funding measure.

Earlier in 2021:

  • Massachusetts lawmakers approved a bond measure that will provide $16.5 billion in one-time revenue.

These types of funding legislation being explored:

  • 31 one-time funding bills in nine states;
  • 20 bills in 13 states to increase motor fuel taxes;
  • 17 bills in 13 states to implement or raise fees on electric vehicles;
  • 12 bills in nine states to implement or test a road usage charge system;
  • 17 bills in nine states to increase other recurring revenues; and
  • 21 bills in 13 states to address local funding or non-funding issues such as transportation fund lockboxes or task forces.

ARTBA-TIAC will continue to track state transportation funding legislative and ballot measures throughout the year.

Read the full report. View TIAC’s state legislative dashboard.