States look for innovative ways to fund surface transportation

The prospects for the national transportation system are dire. The federal reauthorization process, now more than a year overdue, is stuck because without additional revenue, it is impossible to pay for the existing program with the Highway Trust Fund, let alone an expanded one.

It’s important to remember our transportation system is critical to keeping our country competitive in the global market.  Eighty percent of U.S. communities rely solely on highways to serve their freight needs. In fact, more than 90 percent of the country's frieght moves on trucks. Nearly 99 percent of daily passenger travel occurs on roads. 

Unfortunately, the current system is not meeting existing needs let alone that of a nation that is expected to grow to 400 million by 2039. Automobile traffic alone has almost doubled since 1982, but highway capacity has only risen 6.6 percent over the same time period. Without necessary funds for highway maintenance and improvements, we slowly remove the transportation building blocks that support the jobs that keep this country strong. 

The last time Congress voted to actually pay for infrastructure was in 1983 – 28 years ago. The 1993 gas tax increase was passed to balance the federal budget – not pay for infrastructure, although it was eventually moved to the Highway Trust Fund. Inflation has eroded the value of a 1993 dollar to only $0.64 today. A federal program that continues at lower or current levels will extend a 25-year underinvestment in our nation's transportation system.

What was once the envy of the world is now clogged, cracked and pot-holed. If we remain on this course, states cannot depend on the federal government to provide for a national transportation system that allows them all to have equal access to global markets. Cash-strapped or distant states will suffer the most economically from a patchwork of inefficient and pitiful highways and bridges. One would hope this is not our fate. 

Key questions to address include:

• How can we fund needed improvements?
• What multimodal transportation options are available for meeting livability goals?
• Is a gas tax the answer? How about a vehicle miles traveled user fee?
• What is the current legislative climate for making necessary infrastructure improvements?
• Is there any hope for the Highway Trust Fund?
• What can individuals do to show their support for maintaining our country’s infrastructure?

HNTB is working with transportation authorities nationwide to improve conditions and performance of the nation’s roads, bridges and highways.