Go to ITS MIdwest Home Page ITS Midwest - Intelligent Transportation Society of the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio)

 

News

National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission: Interim Report

Authorized in SAFETEA-LU, the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission was charged with analyzing future highway and transit needs and the finances of the Highway Trust Fund. The commission released an interim report on February 1, 2008. The report highlights some initial observations including:

  • Transportation system demands are outpacing required investment.
  • Maintenance costs are competing with necessary expansion of the system.
  • The fuel tax, which has been the key federal funding source for the system, is no longer sufficient at current rates.
  • More direct user charges should be explored.
  • More intelligent investment complemented by better operation of the system is required.

The Path Forward: Funding and Financing Our Surface Transportation System - Interim Report
"The Path Forward: Funding and Financing Our Surface Transportation System - Interim Report of the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission" (Feb. 2008)
Click on image to go to related website

The commission will continue to examine existing and potential funding mechanisms, including direct user charges and other financing options that may augment current revenues and encourage more efficient use of system capacity before issuing a final report at the end of 2008. The commission is accepting comments on the interim report.

Related links:

[News Index]