*Based on PennDOT’s 2006 “State of the Interstate Report”
The Transportation Funding and Reform Commission issued a report in November 2006 that confirmed a funding crisis exists for transportation facilities in the Commonwealth. State and federal funding levels for transportation have not increased with the rate of inflation, and recent double digit inflation in construction costs has made the situation worse. National efforts to reduce gasoline consumption have succeeded and while this is good national policy, it equates to decreased revenue from gas taxes. To compound the challenge, 2007 was the first time ever vehicle miles traveled have decreased nationally, causing less gasoline to be consumed and a reduction in revenue from gas taxes. Lawmakers and experts from across the country agree that alternative funding solutions are needed not just in Pennsylvania, but across the nation.
- $1.7 Billion/Year in Additional Revenues Needed for Transportation in Pennsylvania
- STATE HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE FUNDING
$1.013 billion per year needed for highway and bridge maintenance and improvements
(Transportation Funding & Reform Commission finding)
- MASS TRANSIT FUNDING
$760 million per year needed to fund mass transit (Transportation Funding & Reform Commission finding)
- Interstate System Funding
- $1.04 billion per year is needed for highway & bridge reconstruction and maintenance - no additional lanes (State of the Interstate Report)
- $380 million per year available = $660 million per year shortfall
- $135 million per year (of the $1.04 billion) is needed on average just for I-80 reconstruction and maintenance - An average of $80 million per year current investment level
|
