In this April 6, 2020 photo, a bus drives past a roadwork construction project in Seattle where ramps off of the Highway 520 floating bridge meet Montlake Blvd. that has been shut down due to concern over the spread of the coronavirus. The $2 trillion federal stimulus package enacted in March included billions of dollars for public transit systems, publicly owned commercial airports and Amtrak passenger train service, but earmarked nothing for state highways and bridges.
“This is a critical need at the national level,” said Patrick McKenna, president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and director of Missouri’s transportation department.for an immediate $50 billion to prevent major cuts to road and bridge projects over the next year and a half. As an economic stimulus, they also want Congress to authorize a long-term plan that doubles the amount of regular funding going to state transportation agencies.
Ohio has delayed projects until next year on interstate highways in Columbus and Cincinnati because of the expected decline in fuel tax revenue. “We were hoping to bid it out for construction very soon, but then COVID-19 and all that, so that timeline is kind of in the air,” said West Plains Administrator Tom Stehn, a former state highway engineer. “It was a high priority for us.”
Most states have classified road construction as essential work that can continue despite orders shutting down certain businesses. But some states have not. “Every project is sort of at risk of running out of quality weather days to complete the work,” said Jeremy Reed, construction engineer for the state’s transportation agency.
DavidALieb So that 5 trillion added to the balance sheet, none of that can go towards roads? Cut me a break...
DavidALieb This (drop in tax revenue) will be the main factor governor's use to open their economies back up. kobayashimaru
DavidALieb The government can take their taxes and tolls and shove them up their behind. They are responsible for the shutdown, their problems pale in comparison with those who have lost their jobs or fallen ill to this virus. Maybe the government should cut spending to compensate.
DavidALieb Just another fear tactic.
DavidALieb Fake news most states have diverted these funds to other projects for years
DavidALieb Maybe if big corporations and the super wealthy were taxed then roads and bridges could be better maintained.
DavidALieb This article is a joke, our infrastructure has been in peril for 50 years and our so called leaders aint done “jack shit” about it.
DavidALieb Don't worry. They are going to raise our taxes so high after the election. We won't be able to afford to drive then either.
DavidALieb 'By gas and travel because the INFRASTRUCTURE needs you, but, please don't open up the economy!!!' 😶😐😒🙄
DavidALieb Political. Not good!
DavidALieb Interesting article. Maybe we can make it up in the 1/2 cent sales tax from all the extra liquor people are purchasing. Haha
DavidALieb So what. In Illinois they’ll just raise taxes and fees, AGAIN. Almost 50% increase in license plates fees this year; gas tax up; income tax up, AND they want to pass a progressive income tax. Corrupt.
DavidALieb It only imperils them for several months. What, are we so fragile that a several-month pause kills ever project, every business? An earthquake would have done the same thing. Wars did the same thing. We are strong and we will recover.
DavidALieb D'OH! more Bad news!
DavidALieb Wouldn't this motivate oil companies to work with the health industry and develop a vaccine as quickly as possible?
DavidALieb Sooo go for a drive everyone but stay in your cars? Just fix the fucking roads!!
DavidALieb OpenUpAmerica
DavidALieb Because the states refuse to fund them properly
DavidALieb Least of our worries.
DavidALieb But the fresher air is priceless. humansvsnature
DavidALieb LithiumPodcast - Perhaps add this article to the comments section for this week's WeeklyRecharge?
DavidALieb The bidding process for public service contracts is rife with corruption. That is the what is imperiling the infrastructure of america. That, and state dot's have become a breeding ground for the slackest & laziest among us.
DavidALieb we( taxpayers) pay for it and still have to pay to use. It like paying to build your own home and still have to pay rent to be in your home.
DavidALieb Gas taxes and tolls isn't the commercial on TV do your part Census count get road Monies?
DavidALieb I can't wait for them to take over health care.
DavidALieb US capitalism in its current form is killing our country
DavidALieb What road and bridge projects? The country is in disgraceful shape from coast to coast? Bogus... Where does our money go?
DavidALieb Helluva time to actually do the work and fix them though
DavidALieb 🧐🤔🧐🤔 GWBridge NJturnpike potholes have persisted regardless of regular $$$ hikes so COVID19 will be the excuse 😒😒😒😒
DavidALieb What is Hydroxychloroquine ? How does it work a against coronavirus
DavidALieb I fully expect the coffers of blue states to be drained to fill those of the red states.
DavidALieb Well past time to eliminate the gas tax anyway. Fees should be a function of miles driven and the weight of the vehicle so that they reflect the amount of damage being done to the roadways.
DavidALieb Mostly the money is spent on construction crews who stand around leaning on shovels anyway. Government needs to do more with less as businesses and individuals do during difficult times.
DavidALieb Here we go, more toll/mass transit/gas increases in NJ that will never be reversed.
DavidALieb
DavidALieb Legalize marijuana to make up some tax revenue and encourage new small business growth. No brainier.
DavidALieb Oh, well. It costs too much
DavidALieb Don’t forget another aspect: fewer traffic tickets written, too.
DavidALieb DemocRATs Tax the hell out of us in California
DavidALieb 20,000 American souls departed in 5 weeks! We should have known something bad would happen before this clueless Presidency is over when realDonaldTrump said “Who knew healthcare would be so complicated”