The Tax Foundation endeavors to provide a simple explanation of road funding.
An article by Morgan Scarboro and Joseph Henchman digs into the funding mechanisms for roads in all 50 states.
Gas taxes are typically used to fund infrastructure maintenance and new projects, but the share of state and local road spending that is covered by tolls, user fees, and taxes varies drastically. It ranges from only 12 percent in Alaska to 76.3 percent in Hawaii. States like Alaska and North Dakota (funded 22.8 percent by fees and taxes) keep their transportation taxes low in the same way that they keep all taxes on state residents low, by exporting taxes (primarily through the severance tax).
The article also includes an infographic that illustrates the shortcomings of state and local tolls, user fees, and user taxes in covering the costs of state and local roads.
FULL STORY: How Are Your State’s Roads Funded?
California Poised to Lose Up to $4 Billion in Gas Tax Revenue
States must find other ways to fund transportation projects as the transportation sector moves toward decarbonization.
Connecticut Approves $1.1 Billion in Transit Funding
The state bond funding unlocks up to $2.5 billion in federal transportation funds.
Utah Approves $14 Billion Transportation Program
The largest investment in the state’s history reflects Utah’s rapid growth.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence
Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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