US roads require rapid repairs
The Federal Highway Association (FHWA) has published a Traffic Volume Trends report, which reveals that over the past 12 months Americans have driven a record 3.07 trillion miles. According to the report, vehicle miles travelled (VMT) increased 3.9% in April, compared to April 2014. The report shows VMT has increased 36% since 1993, when the federal motor fuels excise rate was last adjusted.
Fixing the ailing federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF)—the source, on average, of nearly 52% of annual highway and bridge capital investments made by state governments—is the first thing Congress should address, followed by passage of a long-term transportation bill that meets the increased mobility needs of the American people, according to the920 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).
The association’s Getting Beyond Gridlock (GBG) proposal would put the HTF back on sound financial footing with a 15 cents/gallon increase in the federal motor fuels tax that would be coupled with a 100% offsetting federal tax rebate for middle and lower income Americans.
Fixing the ailing federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF)—the source, on average, of nearly 52% of annual highway and bridge capital investments made by state governments—is the first thing Congress should address, followed by passage of a long-term transportation bill that meets the increased mobility needs of the American people, according to the
The association’s Getting Beyond Gridlock (GBG) proposal would put the HTF back on sound financial footing with a 15 cents/gallon increase in the federal motor fuels tax that would be coupled with a 100% offsetting federal tax rebate for middle and lower income Americans.
