Road Projects Face COVID-Induced Delays in Missouri

Missouri is taking stock of its construction program as gas taxes and sales taxes plummet.

1 minute read

April 7, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Missouri

Jw5 / Shutterstock

"Missouri transportation officials may have to delay millions of dollars in road construction projects because of the coronavirus," reports Kurt Erickson.

"Fewer people on the state’s roadways means less fuel is being used, resulting in a drop in gas tax revenue that is typically used to build bridges, fill potholes and repave roads," explains Erickson of the main reason to expect delays. 

Erickson lists four road projects facing the budget axe, but the decline in gas tax revenue isn't the only reason to raise skepticism about the viability of these projects. These projects were already listed as in danger of failing if Congress hasn’t reauthorized a transportation bill by September. Sales taxes and lottery revenues are also down in the state, adding to the uncertainty about funding for the state’s road projects.


Tuesday, March 31, 2020 in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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