A state-by-state analysis conducted by The Associated Press shows that nearly one-third have approved measures this year to raise funds for highway and bridge work.ÌýÌý
AP says theÌýsurge of activity — spurred by a lack of action at the federal level — means at least half of the statesÌýnow have passed transportation funding measures since 2013.
States are taking the initiative to raise billions of dollars through higher fuel taxes, vehicle fees and bonds to repair old bridges and roads and relieve traffic congestion.ÌýAt the end of July, Congress passed a three-month extension of the current highway funding authorization, the 34th consecutive patch since 2009. The Senate has approved a six-year plan, but the House has not takenÌýaction on a long-term bill.Ìý
"I don't know of a state that's not having the conversation" about raising revenue for transportation, Iowa Transportation Director Paul Trombino III, who is vice president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, told AP.
IowaÌýrecently raised fuel taxes by 10 cents a gallon.
AP saysÌýabout 20% of the nation's 900,000 miles of interstates and major roads need resurfacing or reconstruction, according to one analysis of federal data, andÌýa quarter of the 600,000 bridges are considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.Ìý
The American Road & Transportation Builders AssociationÌýsays federal funds cover about half of a state's capital expenditures for roads and bridges. But AP saysÌýmoney available from the federal Highway Trust Fund declined 3.5% during the five-year period ending in 2013 because of improved fuel economy and other factors. The fund receives money from federal taxes on gasoline and diesel.
SomeÌýexamples of state action that AP cited include:
• ConnecticutÌýlegislatorsÌýapproving $2.8 billion of additional transportation bonding over the next five years.
• IdahoÌýraisingÌýits fuel tax by 7 cents a gallon and increasing vehicle registration feesÌýto raise $95 million a year.
• Nebraska'sÌýLegislatureÌýoverriding the governor's vetoÌýto enact a 6-cent-a-gallon fuel tax increase.
Even local governments are forging ahead on their own, AP said, citing a new 4-cent-a-gallon gas taxÌýin July in Normal, Illinois, and aÌý5-cent hike that willÌýkick in Jan. 1 in Osceola County, Florida.
