infrastructure investment | 2013 Report Card for America's Infrastructure

State Legislatures Focus on Infrastructure and Professional Practice Issues

April 19th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews

While infrastructure issues have remained at the forefront of 2016 state legislative debates, the activity seen during this session is much less impressive than the 2015 legislative season. However, in addition to tackling the question of infrastructure, some states have lumped in professional practice issues like “qualifications based selection” (QBS) as they contemplate their budgets and efficiencies. Despite the fact that the increases in investment have come more slowly this session, ASCE and its members stepped forward on a number of bills to ensure the Society’s position was heard and bills were advanced, and halted, as needed. Here is just a taste of the activity we’ve been following from coast to coast:

Alabama – Just a vote away from seeing a 6-cent per gallon increase. This will be the state’s first increase in nearly 25 years. The legislature here opted to pair the increase with the creation of the Alabama Transportation Safety Fund the recipient of the newly generated revenue. The Safety Fund has already been passed into law and is simply awaiting a final vote of its would-be funding source.

Connecticut – Governor Dannel Malloy’s is looking to advance his Let’s Go CT! Plan, a 30 year vision for the future of Connecticut’s transportation system. As the legislature nears the end of its session it has yet to approve the “lockbox” ballot measure that is a critical component to protecting the state’s investment in its transportation infrastructure.

Georgia & Kansas – While over 700 miles separate these state capitals legislators here seemed to be of like minds this session. Georgia introduced SB 366 a bill that would have eliminated QBS for transportation contracts. ASCE opposed this bill and it found itself stalled in the House Transportation Committee. The legislature is looking to study the impact of the bill this summer. Meanwhile in Kansas, a study was commissioned that encouraged legislatures to consider introducing a similar anti-QBS bill as a means of more effectively using state funds. ASCE is also opposing this concept and to date we have not seen a bill.

Indiana – While the legislature did not pass Governor Mike Pence’s $1 billion transportation proposal, it did pass a transportation package. The plan ultimately passed, relies on transfers from the general fund and the Major Moves 2020 Fund as well as creating mechanisms to increase funding at the local level. In addition to addressing the funding question, the package also creates additional mechanism for distributing transportation funds to localities as well as commissions a study to develop a long term maintenance plan.

Missouri – Now finds itself just one vote away from putting a 6-cent per gallon gas tax increase on the November ballot. While the bill, SB 623, seemed to have stalled early on in the session. It received a breath of fresh air when green-lighted by State Senator Doug Libla. The bill which originally included a 1.5 cent per gallon increase, saw the threshold increased to 6.5 cents per gallon and quickly made its way to the House.

Nebraska – Building on its successful increase of the gas tax in 2015, the Nebraska Legislature returned this session with a desire to protect the additional revenue it will generate. It passed into law the Transportation Innovation Act which creates an Infrastructure Bank which will initially receive $50 million from cash reserves and an expected $400 million from the additional revenue generated thanks to the gas tax increase.

West Virginia – The legislature here came close to seeing a 3-cent per gallon gas tax increase as it brought its session as a close in March. SB 555 picked up momentum back as the session entered its final two weeks but, did not have enough time to clear the House. We’re hopeful this momentum will tee up the legislature to introduce similar legislature upon their return in January 2017.

While some state legislatures will be bringing their sessions to a close in the upcoming weeks others are just now approaching a mid-point in their calendar year. ASCE will continue to keep a close eye on the states as they head into summer recesses and interim work periods. In addition to the bills still on the table for Alabama, Connecticut, and Missouri, we are hopeful we will see additional activity from states like Minnesota and South Carolina, that have discussed transportation funding proposals for the last couple session but, have not yet taken action.

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2015 State Government Relations Year in Review

January 6th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews

2015 once again proved that states are where the action is! Gavel to gavel, ASCE kept a watchful eye on legislative sessions in all 50 states, worked on ballot initiatives in 4 states, and travelled coast to coast educating members on how to engage elected officials, and reaching out to legislators to spread the message of the critical needs of our infrastructure. Here are just some of the highlights from the past year:

ASCE Members at Illinois State Drive-In (April 2015)
Tracking 1,300+ Bills: ASCE identified 54 priority bills in 31 states as well as tracked 1,308 bills and 308 regulations during the 2015 session. Login with your ASCE Member credentials to see the bills in your state at www.asce.org/multistate
Increasing State Transportation Revenues: ASCE Sections in 8 states (Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington) supported legislative efforts to successfully raise revenue for transportation infrastructure.
Protecting Professional Licenses: ASCE opposed bills in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington that would do away with all professional licenses. ASCE also worked with the Indiana Section to urge their Governor to reject elimination of professional licensure.
Holding State Capital Events: Legislative advocacy days were hosted at the capitols of Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.
State Advocacy Captain Training (June 2015)
Training ASCE State Leaders: ASCE State Government Relations Staff held the first State Advocacy Captain training in June with members from 11 states and a second in November bringing members from 10 additional states into the fold.
Educating State Legislators: ASCE exhibited with the Washington Section at the National Conference of State Legislature’s Annual Legislative Summit and partnered on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy initiative. ASCE also sponsored two Council of State Government Transportation Policy Academies for state legislators and participated in the spring and summer National Lt. Governors Association meetings.

Read the full ASCE 2015 Year in Review here.

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Infrastructure in the News: Innovation and Investment

November 13th, 2015 | By: Olivia Wolfertz

With one week left until the House and Senate must negotiate on a compromise between the two pending transportation bills, the DRIVE Act and the Surface Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act (STRRA), our infrastructure’s future continues to take center stage. ASCE and a group of 39 other transportation groups and unions wrote a letter to the House and Senate surface transportation conference committee in support of a five-year highway and transit bill that will increase investment levels. They noted that, “While the reliability of future federal highway and public transportation funds is a critical benefit of a multi-year reauthorization bill, such predictability alone is not sufficient to drive needed surface transportation improvements.” When it comes to predicting the future of our nation’s infrastructure, many wonder what that will look like. Articles in Forbes, DCInno and Athens Banner-Herald emphasized the need to not only invest in infrastructure, but to think strategically about how and where investment should be made. Will the rise of smart cars (autonomous vehicles) play into how we invest in our infrastructure? While questions like this can only be hypothesized, these articles suggest the importance of considering how technological advancements will impact our infrastructure needs down the line when planning funding. Infrastructure trends featured in #GameChangers are examples of how innovation is changing the way infrastructure is designed and built and can help us better envision the future. While projections of our nation’s future infrastructnure landscape have marked this week’s headlines, these ideas cannot get too far without a stable, federal funding source. Hopefully Congress can compromise on a bill that provides increased funding to give states the certainty they need to ot just maintain but modernize our nation’s infrastructure.

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Voters say “Yes” to Infrastructure on Nov. 3

November 4th, 2015 | By: Maria Matthews

Although 2015 may be an “off” election year, many states still held elections on critical issues. While some voted for Governor, state legislators and mayor, voters in Louisiana, Maine, and Texas were asked to make important decisions about the future of their state’s infrastructure. Transportation was the theme of this year’s ballot measure and if you’ve ever experienced a bumpy ride to work or gridlock on a recent road trip, you can probably understand why. States are using the fall elections to get voter feedback on the steps to take. Here’s what the election night returns say:

On October 24, Louisiana voters approved a measure to create an infrastructure bank in the form of Question 2. This ballot measure granted the legislature to allocate revenue sources to fund a “state infrastructure bank” for the purpose of funding transportation projects. A second ballot initiative on infrastructure, Question 1 was rejected by voters. The measure asked voters to allow the legislature to designate a portion of excess mineral tax revenue to the Transportation Stabilization Fund. Even though the measure would not have created an additional tax burden on Louisianans, it was still rejected.
Maine put Question 3 before its voters asking them to approve an additional $85 million for transportation projects. Mainers said “yes” to invest in the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of a number of sectors of Maine’s infrastructure including roads, ports, freight and passenger rail, and airports. It is estimated that the state’s $85 million bond could result in an approximately $121.5 million match in federal and other funds.
Texas had two infrastructure related measures to put before voters – who said yes to both! Proposition 7 builds upon the funding provided for by the passage of Proposition 1 in 2014. This measure will designate a percentage of sales tax and motor vehicle sales, use and rental taxes to the state highway fund. This particular revenue stream would specifically be used to fund non-toll roads and reduce certain types of transportation-related debt. Meanwhile, Proposition 5 increases the population cap to enable of small counties (a population of 7,500 or fewer) to authorize private road development and maintenance.

Think of your daily commute as you head out to work, school or play this fall. Remember the wear and tear suffered by your car and/or the countless hours you’ve given up to traffic snarls along the way (hopefully not both). These states are good examples of how making your opinion heard can result in steps in the right direction for infrastructure.

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New Highway Bill Proposed; Nation’s Patience Wearing Thin

October 23rd, 2015 | By: Olivia Wolfertz

With just six days left until MAP-21’s expiration, all eyes are looking to the U.S. House to pass a long-term surface transportation bill. Yet, even if they do so by next week, another extension of MAP-21 will be necessary in order to iron out differences between the House and Senate-passed bills. Earlier this week, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed the bipartisan Surface Transportation Re-authorization and Reform Act. According to The Hill, the bill would authorize spending $261 billion on highways, $55 billion on transit and approximately $9 billion on safety programs over the course of six years. However, the House has not yet identified the source of the additional billions of dollars necessary to support this level of investment. It is critical that the House pass this bill now in order to reach an agreement with the Senate on a final, compromise legislative package. While ASCE supports continued funding for highway and transit programs included in the bill, increased long-term investment would, “provide states with greater certainty that the federal government is a trusted partner in transportation.” Many citizens have responded to the latest bill with disappointment. Op-eds in Engineering News-Record, Bloomberg, Baltimore Sun, Herald Independent and The Southern share common frustrations with the bill’s failure to significantly increase investment and Congress’ inability to make headway towards finding a funding solution. States will be forced to react to potential insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund in November. Michigan’s House proposed a transportation funding package that would devote an extra $1.2 billion for roads from a dividend of sources including registration fees, increased gas taxes and tax relief through a Homestead Property Tax Credit. And states like Georgia are considering postponing transportation projects altogether for the upcoming winter months. Congress’ decision on this bill will have ripple effects on our nation’s transportation network and ultimately our economy. ASCE needs you to contact your House member and urge support of the House bill so funding can be addressed in conference with the Senate. Tell your Representative to support a six-year transportation bill with increased investment.

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Special Sessions Tackle State Infrastructure Needs

June 25th, 2015 | By: Maria Matthews

With summer upon us, many state legislators are finding themselves stuck in “summer school” in order to hammer out bills to address growing infrastructure needs. With the exception of a few states who meet year-round, most state legislatures will convene anywhere from 60 to 100 days. Unfortunately, this year many of states with short sessions now find themselves working well into the summer months in order to reach common ground on bills that will fund surface transportation in their state. Whether is sticking it out at the state house beyond their required adjournment date or being called back by the Governor until a deal is reached, a healthy handful of states find themselves working tirelessly to find a solution. Our summer watch list includes: California, Illinois, Maine, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington.

California’s Governor Jerry Brown called for a two week special session to focus on the state’s investment in transportation infrastructure. With the state facing a number of competing proposals—and needs—the hopes is to develop a long-term and sustainable funding solution. From high speed rail to road repair, Governor Brown is looking to the legislature to deliver a package that will improve public safety and secure the state’s economic future.
Illinois finds itself in an extended regular session as it moves to reach a balanced budget that includes transportation and water infrastructure funding. At present the legislature is delivering budget bills in piecemeal fashion as it finds itself at an impasse with the Governor’s Office. The 2016 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2015 and without a budget in place Governor Rauner has indicated program cuts would begin to take effect. Up to now, it is expected the Department of Transportation will not be affected.
Maine, like Illinois, finds itself in the middle of a larger budget battle. The most recent proposal was met with a number of vetoes (and later veto overrides) including the separate highway and transportation budget. Governor LePage removed $2.9 million in line items from the state’s transportation that will require additional votes in the state Senate to be restored. This after a number of promising bills that would have established study commissions to assess the overall condition of the state’s surface transportation systems did not advance.
Oregon with its Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) program set to start July 1, 2015 the legislature is still in discussions with Governor Kate Brown over funding $200 million in roads repairs through a 4-cent gas tax increase. With rumors a deal is near we expect that Oregon legislators will be among the first to head back their home districts.
South Carolina’s legislature burned the midnight oil in Columbia and reached that will allocate an additional $216 million to fund county road maintenance and repairs beyond the $71 million already distributed among counties from their portion of the state gas tax. The transportation budget also includes the potential for $500 million in state bonds for large highway projects. The bill has been sent to Governor Nikki Haley for signature as legislators prepare to return home for the summer.
Washington State’s legislature has already push through and received Governor Inslee’s approval on the operating portion of the Department of Transportation’s budget. The legislature nearing the end of its second special session, has again stalled when it comes to reaching agreement on a funding measure. While there was consensus for the package that included a 11.7 cent per gallon gas tax increase during the regular session, discussion that would lead to revenue generation for highways, bridges, and ferries, have been put in a holding pattern behind larger budget negotiations.

Now that the heat of summer has arrived the heat is on to get these lawmakers back home. As they look to neighboring states that have already taken action (and adjourned until next year), we fully expect legislators in these states will also make strides when it comes to meeting their infrastructure needs. We will watch as they work furiously to ensure that there is no disruption in state operations come July 1 and know they will diligently make necessary investments in maintaining and improving the condition of infrastructure in their state.

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Capitol Hill Buzzing with Infrastructure Funding Proposals

January 23rd, 2015 | By: Olivia Wolfertz

Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond

Between President Obama addressing infrastructure needs in his State of the Union Address, the Virginia Report Card release and additional infrastructure funding legislation being proposed at the federal level, ASCE is optimistic that a long-term, sustainable funding solution for our nation’s infrastructure is within grasp. As both parties of Congress struggle to agree on how infrastructure should be funded, our nation’s infrastructure continues to decline. Almost one-third of our roads are in poor or mediocre condition and more than 40 percent of urban highways are congested. One in nine bridges is structurally deficient, and nearly a quarter are functionally obsolete. Restoring our nation’s infrastructure into a good state of repair will require nearly $3.6 trillion in investment by 2020, leaving us $1.6 trillion short based on current funding levels. In his State of the Union address, President Obama declared that Congress needs to pass a bipartisan infrastructure plan that will create more than 30 times as many jobs per year and strengthen the country’s economy. The president also proposed a change in the tax code to encourage the private sector to invest in infrastructure through low-interest municipal bonds. Though President Obama’s push for infrastructure funding through tax reform is encouraging, many believe that our infrastructure funding needs require a different course of action. AAA CEO Robert Darbelnet announced in a statement Tuesday that, “The president’s proposal to leverage corporate tax reform or private investment structures to support transportation funding would provide a welcome shot in the arm for our nation’s infrastructure, but this will not provide a sustainable fix to the looming funding crisis at hand.” In the House of Representatives, Cong. John Delaney and Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick have co-sponsored The Partnership to Build America Act. This bipartisan act will establish a $50 billion infrastructure fund generated by bond sales which will loan money to state and local governments to repair infrastructure. While these proposals for infrastructure funding are certainly promising, the Highway Trust Fund is headed toward insolvency in a matter of months. It’s critical that members of Congress work together to pass legislation that will provide a sustainable, long-term funding solution to #Fix the Trust Fund before the money runs out.

Tags: congress, highway trust fund, infrastructure investment
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This Week in Infrastructure: All the Reasons to Fix the Trust Fund

December 12th, 2014 | By: Olivia Wolfertz

Photo Credit: Steven Pisano

Reports on transportation investment and its overall benefits to the economy provide incentive for Congress to #FixTheTrustFund as state lawmakers make their own push for infrastructure investment. On Tuesday, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released the 2015 Bottom Line Report, which thoroughly evaluated our nation’s transportation investment needs in relation to our overall economy. According to the report, an estimated $163 billion annually over a six-year period is needed to fix our aging surface transportation. Currently only $83 billion is invested in roads and bridges and only $17.2 billion is invested in public transit. These dramatic investment discrepancies underscore the need for immediate action. Not only does investing in our public transportation benefit those who use it, but such investment also supports our economy by creating jobs. The study from the Transportation Construction Coalition, “Approximately 62 percent of the jobs created from federal highway and mass transit investment are outside the construction industry—service industries such as business, education, health.” Likewise, “every $1 in federal highway and mass transit investment increases the nation’s GDP between $1.80–$2.00.” As ASCE has been saying for years, investing in federal highway and mass transit will reap benefits beyond improving our daily commutes. A recent article in online publication, Mobility Lab, indicated that aging infrastructure also impacts the real-estate market, as road and transit conditions affect where renters and homeowners choose to live. Due to Congress’ lack of progress in fixing the Highway Trust Fund, several states are addressing their infrastructure needs by considering gas tax increases. NPR cited a growing number of Republicans across the country who are realizing that raising the gas tax may be the key to funding infrastructure. In Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder is calling on lawmakers to double Michigan’s gas tax over time to raise more than $1 billion. Gas tax increases are also on the table for states like Georgia, New Jersey, Utah, South Carolina and South Dakota. With gas prices are at their lowest level in four years, states are motivated to seize this opportunity to raise money while they can. Though action on the state level to increase infrastructure funds is encouraging, the best thing for our nation and our economy is to fix the Highway Trust Fund and increase the national gas tax to match inflation. To learn more about what’s happening in your state and our country, download our newly updated 2013 Infrastructure Report Card app for your Android/iOS Tablet. A smart phone version will be available soon.

Tags: gas tax, highway trust fund, infrastructure investment, infrastructure report card
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Maximizing the Investment in Transportation Projects

October 1st, 2014 | By: Becky Moylan

ASCE teamed with the Eno Center for Transportation to author Maximizing the Value of Investments Using Life Cycle Cost Analysis. The report, released yesterday at a Capitol Hill briefing, surveyed industry practitioners and policymakers on their current use of life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), and their beliefs on what role it should play in the decision-making process. It also features six case studies that demonstrate the benefits of implementing LCCA. While almost all those surveyed said it should be part of the process, only 59% said it was currently being used.

Greg Nadeau, Beth Osborne, Joshua Schank (Eno), Pat Natale (ASCE), and Chris Stone all offered their perspectives on the value of LCCA. Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Using LCCA is an “emerging and significant topic,” said Greg Nadeau, acting administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. He was one of the industry experts that shared unique perspectives on the report and how LCCA can benefit transportation project planning during yesterday’s event, which you can watch in-full on YouTube. Nadeau pointed to the need for maximizing investment as the nation faces constrained budgets and aging infrastructure. Beth Osborne from Transportation for America, and ASCE Industry Leaders Council member Christopher Stone, president of Clark Nexsen, shared viewpoints from different perspectives on the current use of LCCA in the industry and the value of increasing its implementation. Osborne believes using LCCA will become easier very quickly, as greater implementation will lead to a discovery that the data needed is already in existence in unexpected places. To help support civil engineers as they incorporate LCCA into decision-making, Stone shared that a course to train leaders in LCCA is critical, as it will reduce the barriers to entry. This report is only a step in incorporating LCCA more broadly. As Nadeau concluded: “This is an iterative process. We will never just rest on our laurels.”

Tags: infrastructure investment, LCCA, life cycle cost analysis, life cycle costs, surface transportation, transportation
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Missourians Reject Sales Tax for Infrastructure

August 6th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews

On August 5 Missouri voters defeated a measure that would have established a dedicated infrastructure fund from revenue earned through three-quarters of a cent sales tax increase. Constitutional Amendment 7 was dismissed in a 59% to 41% vote. “We are very disappointed in the result, but the people have spoken and we respect that.” Stephen Miller, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, commented. “As we have seen for the past several years, I think Missourians have a clear understanding that more resources need to be invested in our transportation infrastructure, but there just isn’t any consensus on how to pay for it. We need to continue working toward that end.” The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Long Range Transportation Plan estimates that over the next 20 years, Missouri has at least $70 billion of infrastructure projects requested throughout the state, but only $17.3 billion of available funds are expected to be available. Had the measure passed it would have made an estimated $5.4 billion available over the next 10 years for state and local transportation projects. In fact, in July MoDOT release a list of “priority projects” that would have received funding with the revenue generated by the tax increase. The future of this list remains to be seen. Dave Nichols, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, “We will continue our focus on safety, maintaining our roads and bridges, and providing outstanding customer service with the resources we have.” If Missourians wish to “raise the grade” on roads and bridges, adequate revenue must be collected and allocated to maintain and improve the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Tags: Funding, infrastructure investment, Missouri, transportation
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