New leadership at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is redoubling efforts to find new sources of revenue for the state's transportation funding deficit.
"The new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation continued his call to boost state transportation spending on Tuesday," reports Jack Suntrup in detailing the agenda of Missouri Transportation Director Patrick McKenna.
Suntrup quotes McKenna directly to describe the pressing funding needs of the state's transportation infrastructure:
'We'll be facing a virtual tidal wave of replacement needs as we go forward,' McKenna said. 'So getting further behind, or just treading water, is simply not good enough.'
The argument made by McKenna is the next chapter in a narrative that includes a failed attempt to raise revenue at the ballot box, when voters rejected a state sales tax in 2014. But, Suntrup notes, "[state] senators this year have so far moved fast on a bill that would raise the state's gas tax 1.5 cents for most motorists and 3.5 cents for diesel users."
Planetizen Correspondent Irvin Dawid noted the state's unintentional "fix-it-first" policy for transportation funding in July 2015, when MoDOT announced a five-year plan that lacked the funding to build new roads.
FULL STORY: MoDOT director says 'tidal wave' of repairs on horizon, urges lawmakers to act
State Law Preempts Federal Transit Relief Funding in Idaho
Idaho state law prevents local voters from implementing the sales taxes that generate revenue to match federal funding for transportation projects, taking local and regional projects out of the running for many federal grant programs.
Transit Spending on the Ballot in Seattle and Washington
Voters in the city of Seattle will consider a sales tax to fund bus transit service, while voters around the state of Washington will have a chance to send new leaders to Congress.
Election 2019: Planning and Development Related Results Roundup
Many states and cities around the country voted on November 5, 2019 to decide matters related to the future of the built environment.
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service