Four states express transportation funding concerns, while one organization proposes a solution to their state’s transportation funding shortfall.
Facing concerns that the state legislature will not reach a long-term transportation funding agreement this session, the Missouri Department of Transportation director was quoted in news outlets on April 4 stating that the agency would consider dipping into its cash reserves in order to meet the state’s match for federal funding. Read More.
The Michigan Department of Transportation warned March 24 that state roads will continue to deteriorate, despite additional funding approved during the 2015 legislative session. Read More.
Southwest Idaho may find congestion increasing due to inadequate funding for new road construction and public transportation, Executive Director Matt Stoll of the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) warned on April 6. Legislation to raise the state gasoline tax and registration fee in 2015 was limited by the legislature to be used solely for maintenance of existing roadways. Read More.
The Illinois Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) called for a 30-cent state motor fuel tax increase to the current per gallon tax, and a 50 percent state vehicle registration fee increase of the current fee, in a new report released April 1. The plan would generate $43 billion over 10 years, enough to address the state’s transportation funding shortfall. MPC pointed out that the cost of inaction would continue to grow, resulting in a greater burden on taxpayers if the infrastructure crisis is not addressed now. Read More.
Mayors from the five largest cities in Alabama urged legislators on April 6 to pass a comprehensive transportation funding bill in the state’s capital. Read More.