Acknowledging the pressing need to find sustainable transportation revenue, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer (D) on Oct. 3 issued an executive order establishing a Task Force on Sustainable Transportation Funding. The diverse group of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, chaired by the state Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings, has been charged with exploring and analyzing trends in transportation revenue and needs over the next two decades.
Although the legislature approved new electric vehicle fees and raised existing DMV fees in June, the anticipated revenue will meet the state’s long-term infrastructure needs. The task force will begin meeting in October of this year and will provide a final report to the General Assembly by December 2026.
In her Jan. 28 confirmation hearing Hastings warned lawmakers that fuel efficient and electric vehicles were eroding revenue for projects funded by the state’s 23 centers per gallon motor fuel tax. And she noted pressure from rising employee salaries, healthcare spending, and construction costs.
Delaware joins several other states raising concerns about their future transportation revenue.