ARTBA: Report on driving habits shows need for long-term infrastructure funding

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) said on Tuesday that a recent Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) report indicating Americans are driving more than ever shows the need for a long-term transportation investment plan.

ARTBA said D.C. lawmakers must do two things to help solve infrastructure funding problems in the U.S. First, it needs to break the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) reauthorization impasse. The HTF funds approximately 52 percent of the annual bridge and highway capital investments that state governments plan. Congress then needs to pass a long-term transportation bill that would fulfill the necessary mobility needs of the nation.

During the past 12 months, U.S. citizens have driven 3.07 trillion miles, setting new records for the nation. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) increased 3.9 percent in April 2015, compared with April 2014. Since 1993, VMT has risen by 36 percent.

The ARTBA proposal, titled “Getting Beyond Gridlock” (GBG), would last six years if approved and could place HTF back on track. The proposal suggests increasing the federal fuel tax by 15 percent on each gallon sold. The proposal said this change would be made alongside a 100 percent offset of federal tax rebates for lower- and middle-income Americans.