The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s funds remain stable, despite cuts to the state budget that have affected multiple other state agencies. The department’s financial stability is due in part to its minimal reliance on the state general fund, which only contributes approximately 2 percent to the transportation budget. Wyoming increased the state gas tax by 10 cents-per-gallon in 2013. Read More>>
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Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) told attendees at the Sept. 21 Montana Association of Counties conference that state infrastructure funding “needs our immediate attention” and will be one of the top issues when lawmakers return for the 2017 legislative session. Read More>>
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An Oregon task force recommended expanding the state’s vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) pilot program beyond the 5,000 vehicle cap, and including all new vehicles with a rating of 20 miles per gallon or better beginning with model year 2025. The pilot program currently has 1,267 vehicles participating. Read More>>
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In response to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) Sept. 15 state transportation budget proposal, Assembly Republicans announced Sept. 21 that they will begin holding hearings with the public and experts in order to create their own transportation budget plan. Read More>>
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The New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee voted 9-2 on Sept. 22 to send a measure before the full Assembly that would require the state’s Department of Transportation to reimburse counties and municipalities for expenses tied to the state’s transportation funding freeze. The measure (A4114) would also permit local governments to continue or complete transportation projects with their own funds.
All non-essential, state-funded transportation work has been frozen since mid-July while state leaders negotiate a way to provide revenue for the depleted Transportation Trust Fund. Several New Jersey counties have already filed notice that they intend to sue the state, and lawmakers anticipate contractors will soon file their own lawsuits over lost work. Read More>>