Mike
Well-Known Member
The state of Colorado is expected to be in line to receive $520 million for roadwork from the federal stimulus package being debated in Congress. Even with the infusion of funds, officials in the state say it is not nearly enough to address transportation needs this year and in future years.
With these factors in mind, Gov. Bill Ritter and fellow Democrats have their own plan to boost revenue to fix the state’s crumbling roadways.
The plan includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
The Senate Transportation Committee voted 4-3 along party lines Tuesday, Jan. 27, to advance the governor’s initiative, which is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years via an increase in registration fees based on vehicle weight. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
The initial $100 million from the increases would be used to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges identified by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The other $150 million would be used for roadway safety and divided among the state, counties and municipalities.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups to build new roads.
Officials with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association point out that truckers and others already pay federal taxes and user fees that contribute to the upkeep of interstate highways. The Association, therefore, opposes the tolling of roadways because it amounts to double taxation for truckers.
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With these factors in mind, Gov. Bill Ritter and fellow Democrats have their own plan to boost revenue to fix the state’s crumbling roadways.
The plan includes raising transportation funds through an increase in vehicle registration fees. It also would authorize issuing bonds to pay for critical safety projects, as well as create a new government agency that could turn some freeways into toll roads.
The Senate Transportation Committee voted 4-3 along party lines Tuesday, Jan. 27, to advance the governor’s initiative, which is expected to generate $250 million annually over four years via an increase in registration fees based on vehicle weight. The cost of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles also would rise.
The initial $100 million from the increases would be used to upgrade the 125 most structurally deficient bridges identified by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The other $150 million would be used for roadway safety and divided among the state, counties and municipalities.
Also in the works is the creation of a “high performance transportation enterprise” that would pursue opportunities to charge tolls, issue revenue bonds and enter into agreements with private groups to build new roads.
Officials with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association point out that truckers and others already pay federal taxes and user fees that contribute to the upkeep of interstate highways. The Association, therefore, opposes the tolling of roadways because it amounts to double taxation for truckers.
Full Story
