What happened: Increased transportation investment has been highlighted in several governor’s budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year, including:
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) Feb. 15 proposed more than $520 million in additional infrastructure investment, including one-time budget revenue surplus and two new transportation revenue sources—a sales tax on automotive parts and repairs, and a sales tax on electric vehicle purchases.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) Feb. 23 announced a record 10-year, $100 billion statewide roadway construction plan that will increase the number of transportation projects to reduce congestion, maintain roadways, and increase safety. The proposed 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is about $15 billion more than the previous 2023 UTP and is primarily based on the historic projected revenue from state sources. The UTP now goes before the transportation commission for review.
- Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) Feb. 16 asked lawmakers to utilize $1.3 billion of the general fund surplus for transportation capacity project funding.
- Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) Feb. 15 proposed a $117 million general fund appropriation in order to meet federal match requirements for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
- Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Recommended Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 included a $478 million increase for transportation over the current fiscal year.
What’s next: Lawmakers in at least 31 states are considering proposals to increase transportation revenue. Visit the ARTBA-TIAC dashboard to see which states are making progress and follow the blog for new developments.