Incomplete projects proposed in the Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development plan have saddled Louisiana with increasing debt and less money for maintenance.
Will Sentell reports on the ongoing financial burden presented by the state of Louisiana's Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development (TIMED), approved by voters in 1989. "TIMED was supposed to be a pay-as-you-go road and bridge building plan, including construction of the John James Audubon Bridge, which links New Roads and St. Francisville," writes Sentell. "But 26 years later, two of the 16 projects remain undone — both in the New Orleans area. Those two are anywhere from seven to 10 years away from being finished…"
With that work unfinished, state legislators are getting creative in finding the funding necessary to complete those projects as their price tags increase. In fact, " the state is grabbing an increasing share of the 16-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax that is supposed to finance transportation improvements in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and elsewhere," according to Sentell.
This year, one cent of the state's 16-cent gas tax will be required to pay TIMED debt, but similar grabs "will be needed for the next 27 years" according to the state Department of Transportation and Development.
The article includes a lot more detail into how the projects, and the TIMED plan, went wrong.
Hat tip to Tanya Snyder for sharing the article.
FULL STORY: 26 years later, uncompleted road plan helps shape Louisiana transportation spending
Hawaii Could Implement Road Usage Charge
The tax would apply to electric vehicles, which avoid the state’s gas tax and are a growing percentage of cars on the road.
Constitutional Amendment Would Shift Some Gas Tax Revenue to Transit Spending in Nevada
Democratic legislators in Nevada are considering a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to use gas tax revenues for transportation projects other than road construction, maintenance, and repair.
Depaving Rural American Roads-Literally
Rather than being part of a car liberation or permeable pavement movement, poorly maintained county roads are having their asphalt ground into gravel as a cost-cutting measure to avoid costly road reconstruction. Lack of funding is the cause.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions