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.
More Stories
- ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Governor Ducey issues Executive Order further extending expiration of driver licenses
- AMERICAN AIRLINES: Cleaning with a Purpose, American Airlines Earns GBAC STAR Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council
- AIRLINES FOR AMERICA: Statement from A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio
- ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: ADOT distracted driving campaign raises awareness
- ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Drivers get break from state highway closures through early January
- AMERICAN AIRLINES: American’s AAdvantage Program Reveals Elite Choice Rewards for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum Members
- ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Donor Network of Arizona honors two MVD employees with awards
- AMERICAN AIRLINES: American Airlines Names Meghan Montana Vice President and Treasurer
- ALBERTA TRANSPORTATION: Building roads to economic recovery
- AIRLINES FOR AMERICA: Airlines for America Applauds the Department of Transportation’s Final Rules on Traveling by Air with Service Animals