Author Archive
Safe Roads Amendment Protects Illinois Transportation Dollars
October 3rd, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
The “Safe Roads Amendment” is a statewide ballot measure that asks voters to decided how the state can spend its transportation dollars. More specifically, this measure will protect transportation revenue (like the gas tax, tolls, licenses and vehicle registration fees) from being diverted to non-transportation projects. Illinois is following in the footsteps of its neighbor Wisconsin, who along with Maryland, passed a similar measure to protect its transportation revenue in 2014. Nearly $6.8 billion has been diverted from the state’s Road Fund over the last 13 years. These are critical dollars that can be used to maintain or improve our roads to ensure public safe and ease of mobility for goods and services throughout the state. A vote “for” provides a reliable source of transportation funding without the creation of new taxes, tolls or user fees. When going to the polls on November 4, remember this:- A “lock box” will be created ensuring funds will only be able to be used for transportation related purposes.
- You will prevent further raiding of the state’s transportation dollars.
- The measure will have no effect on current or future tax rates or spending levels.
- Ensuring funds are available for construction and maintenance of state and local roads will help reduce congestion, improve safety and reliability, create jobs, and boost the state’s economy.
Alabama Looks to Protect Park Revenue through Amendment 2
September 28th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
Amendment 2 is a statewide ballot measure that will provide a dedicated source of funding to Alabama’s State Park System. Preventing critical dollars received by the State Parks Fund and the State Parks Revolving Fund, from being diverted to other public accounts will ensure Alabamians have ample resources for the preservation and enhancement of park facilities. Alabama recently saw the closure of 5 State Parks at the end of 2015 reducing the number of state parks to just 17. These Parks were shuttered because their operating costs exceeded their revenue. A “yes” vote may help prevent the future closure of parks by ensuring the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a dedicated and protected revenue source. ASCE supports immediate and sustained action to reinvest in our park systems. This action should consider both protection of our national heritage and enhancement of the experience of park visitors. ASCE also believes that monies collected through on-site user fees and concessionaire agreements should be available to be used for on-site maintenance, operations and enhancements. According to its 75th Annual Report, 80 to 90 percent of the annual funding for state’s parks comes from customer fees, not taxes. Alabama State Parks had $375 million economic impact which includes $140 million in earnings for thousands of people in various segments of the workforce. These same parks generate $10.9 million in state and local taxes. Why not help ensure the monies we invest in our recreation is committed to maintain and improve our favorite vacation spots? Likewise, let’s prevent future economic losses created by the potential closure of these facilities. When you head to the polls on November 8, remember to cast a “yes” vote on Amendment 2.Infrastructure Goes to the Polls on November 8
September 13th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
Votes for the President and Members of Congress aren’t the only ones that will be cast this November. In some states, infrastructure funding measures will also be on the ballot. This is a trend that many states and localities have turned to as a way to improve infrastructure. Upon their initial analysis the Transportation Investment Advocacy Center estimated the ballot measures passed in 2014 would generate $15 billion in additional revenue for transportation improvements and an additional $4 billion resulted from those voted on during the 2015 election cycle. During each election cycle voters approved over two-thirds of measures appearing on the ballot demonstrating the public’s increased understanding of the need to invest in both maintaining and improving our infrastructure. In the coming weeks, we’ll be giving a rundown of the infrastructure ballot measures. Here’s a preview:- Alabama’s Statewide Amendment 2 asks voters to provide the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources the option to provide and management of certain facilities by non-state entities. What the question does not detail is that if passed the authorizing Act would also provide for a “lockbox” on the Parks Revolving Fund to ensure revenue deposited into this account is allocated to support and maintain properties within the state park system.
- California voters are being asked to vote on Proposition 53 a bill that will ask voters to consider how projects funded via bonds are approved.
- Illinois voters are being tasked with voting on a single statewide ballot measure. Question 1 asks voters to approve a “lockbox” on the state transportation budget. If approved, Illinois would join 30 states that currently place constitutional restrictions on how transportation revenue can be spent. Maryland and Wisconsin voters most recently passed such measures in 2014.
- Maine’s Question 6 comes on the heels of 2015’s Question 3 which also approved funding for the state’s roadways and bridges.
- New Jersey will put Public Question 2 on the ballot to increase funding for transportation. While this will not solve the current crisis facing the State Transportation Trust Fund, the question will dedicate an additional 3-cents of the current gas tax to the Transportation Trust Fund.
- Residents of the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia will see a question on their ballot asking them to approve additional funding for its public transit system, MARTA. Just a half-penny sales tax increase would be imposed if the ballot measure passes. It is expected to increase revenue by $2.5 billion over the next 40 years.
- Counties serviced by the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan have approved language, if approved, is estimated to raise $4.7 billion over 20-years for the RTA. The 1.2-mill property tax ($1.20 per $1,000 of taxable value) requires a majority of votes across Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
- Several San Francisco area communities will see a measure attempting to raise an estimated $3.5 billion over approximately the next 50 years. The revenue generated by the property tax to be imposed on homeowners will be dedicated to replacing and modernizing the BART transit system which is expected to increase capacity by 75% in 2040.
National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit Talks Infrastructure
August 11th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
This week the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) held its annual Legislative Summit in Chicago. Approximately 5,000 state legislators, legislative staffers, federal officials and others gathered to gain invaluable knowledge from experts and fellow legislators to take back to their respective states. Attendees participated in an array of policy-producing committee meetings, issue forums and deep-dive sessions, including on infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers attended to lend our expertise and share the message of the Report Card for America’s Infrastructure and the Failure to Act economic study during sessions and in conversation. One such session was on the “Multisector P3 Partnership,” which featured national experts and state leaders discussing emerging policy issues surrounding the expanding P3 industry and its potential role in helping strengthen public infrastructure assets in water, energy, transportation and others. Another session of note, titled “Crystal Clear? State Efforts to Improve Water Planning,” was a panel discussion on how states are working to bring together the agriculture industry, urban areas and clean water advocates to address efforts to maintain healthy water resources, and consider future demand and supply of this important resource. This session featured ASCE Past-President Greg DiLoreto P.E., P.LS., D. WRE, Pres.13.ASCE and fellow panelists Tom Curtis, former deputy executive director of American Water Works Association, John Covington from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Chris Kolb from the Michigan Environmental Council. The conversation included a discussion of the infrastructure investment gap, funding mechanisms including state revolving funds, and how to ensure drinking water quality. This session was one of eight session chosen to be live streamed and archived on the Summit’s website.New Jersey Remains Deadlocked on Transportation Trust Fund Fix
August 2nd, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
It’s now August and few legislative days remain before the start of the State Legislature’s summer recess. What should have been a quick fix at the beginning of July (or during the first six months of the year) is now an ongoing stalemate between the Legislature and the Governor’s Office on whose solution is the best for New Jersey. All parties agree that the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase is what the State Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) needs to adequately address the state’s transportation needs. Yet, New Jersey now finds itself at the outset of a fourth week of work stoppages since Governor Christie (R-NJ) executive order took effect on July 8. The Governor and Senate President Stephen Sweeney have traded plans over the last few weeks but, ultimately have not come to an agreement on how to offset the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase. After just shy of a month of inactivity at the state house due to a recess for the National Party Conventions, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee returned to Trenton last Friday to take up Senator Sweeney’s (D-NJ) proposal, which has garnered support from Assembly Majority Leader Vincent Prieto (D-NJ), and pushed it through to the full chamber for a floor vote. With a new opportunity to vote on this critical piece of legislation, the Senate has again postponed a vote due to the lack of support necessary to result in a veto override should Christie veto Sweeney’s bill. Projections seem to indicate that the chamber is just a few votes shy of the majority it needs but, all the same are waiting to shore up the count. Estimates from early July indicated that the TTF had only $85 million left to pay for emergency repair work. Despite the fact that shovels have been put down at most projects throughout the state, the balance of the TTF is wearing thin and will soon run dry. With just a single legislative day left before the legislature heads home for its August recess, we need you to send an email now and demand Legislators and the Governor find a compromise that will reopen the shuttered projects and give New Jersey the 21st century infrastructure system it deserves!New Jersey Legislature Misses Opportunity to Fix Transportation Trust Fund
July 6th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
Last week, we told you about the looming insolvency of New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) as the Senate attempted to act before the July 1st deadline. After what looked like a chance to get a bill passed before the deadline did not happen, we are now waiting to hear from legislators and Governor Christie as the state decides how it will move forward now that the TTF is on pace to hit bankruptcy at by the end of July. Talks broke down in the Senate last week over the amended version of a bipartisan bill that was passed by the Assembly. A.10 was passed after careful negotiations with Governor Christie’s office would also reduce the state’s sales tax by 1% to provide further taxpayer savings to cushion the 23-cent per gallon gas tax increase. Concerned that this additional offset would be detrimental to the larger state budget the Senate opted first to postpone a June 30 vote pending further negotiations and later opted to push the vote off until they returned from a mini-recess on July 11. According to some projections, it is anticipated the fund has only $85 million left to pay for emergency repair work. As this is the case, Governor Christie quickly called for work to be ceased on projects funded by the TTF. Federally-funded and toll-funded work would be allowed to move forward. It is expected that the Governor will release a list of projects that will be allowed to continue in an effort to preserve public safety and welfare. No further legislative activity is expected until the Assembly returns on July 11. Until then Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) is expected to be in negotiations with the Governor’s Staff and his counterparts in the Assembly. Assembly Majority leader Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) has indicated he is willing to work with the Senate and Governor’s office to find a compromise. Fixing the Transportation Trust Fund with a long-term solution is the first step to raising the grades given by this year’s Infrastructure Report Card. We encourage you to take a moment to tell your state legislators and Governor Christie that immediate action to fix the TTF is needed!New Jersey Must Fix the Transportation Trust Fund
June 30th, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
Legislators in both chambers worked in a bipartisan manner to address the looming insolvency of New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) just before the July 1st deadline. The TTF is the account from which the state pays for maintenance, repairs and construction for transportation infrastructure. As introduced by Senators Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), and by Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson), the bills would increase the gasoline tax by 23 cents per gallon, and impose an approximately 13 cents per gallon tax on jet fuel. To help ease the price at the pump the General Assembly also approved a number of tax offsets. Among them are the discontinuation of the New Jersey estate tax, greater tax exemptions for retirement income and low-income workers, and a new tax deduction for contributions to charities. On Monday, a midnight-hour deal was struck between the Assembly and Governor Christie’s office that would also reduce the state’s sales tax by 1% to provide further taxpayer savings. The Assembly remained in session until 1:30am when a 54-22 vote was achieved with 10 Republicans voting in favor of the bill. It’s now the Senate’s turn to take action and June 30 is the last day for them to act. Take a moment to contact your State Senator and encourage them to support the Assembly’s bill. The 2016 Report Card for New Jersey’s Infrastructure’s roads, bridges, and transit grades of D+, D+ and D-, respectively. Among the most alarming statistics about transportation infrastructure found in the report is that 42% of New Jersey’s roadways are deficient, which means over 16,000 miles of roads are rough, distressed or cracked. Equally glaring is the state of New Jersey’s bridges. One in 11 are categorized as “structurally deficient,” and over 40% of all New Jersey bridges are expected to soon require improvements or complete replacement. Nationally, inefficient infrastructure is costing every household $9 a day. However, if every family instead invested an additional $3 a day per household, we could close the infrastructure investment gap in 10 years. This will take action on the federal, state, and local levels. Fixing the Transportation Trust Fund with a long-term solution will not only help raise the grades given by this year’s Report Card but, also put money back into the wallets of New Jersey families.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.
State Transportation Funding Moves Slowly in 2016
March 2nd, 2016 | By: Maria Matthews
“Transportation Funding” was named a top 5 issue by The Council on State Governments for the 2016 legislative session. However, unlike the eight states who raised the gas tax in 2015 (Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah and Washington) we have seen few states make the leap toward investing in infrastructure in 2016.
The first state to sign a major infrastructure funding bill into law this session is Rhode Island. The Rhode Works program aims to raise revenue that will allow the state to rebuild roads and bridges making Rhode Island more attractive to businesses. By assessing user fees to large commercial trucks it becomes the last northeastern state to adopt this revenue stream. Rhode Island Department of Transportation is hopeful the additional revenue will help them leverage federal dollars and enable the state to tackle maintenance and rehabilitation projects that will bring additional jobs.
While Rhode Island has already taken action, ASCE is keeping a close eye on many of the states that appear on CSG’s “States to Watch” list. Here is an overview of what we’re watching around the country:
- California – Like Oregon to its north, California is embarking on a Road Charge Pilot Program. It is currently seeking volunteers to participate in pilot program that will assess a fee based on distance travelled or period of time they use the roads, rather than gas consumption. The pilot kicks off in July 2016 and the findings will be used to develop a model that can be fully implemented statewide.
- Connecticut – Governor Dannel Malloy has been a longtime advocate for improving the state’s infrastructure. His Let’s Go CT! plan is a 30 year vision for the future of Connecticut’s transportation system. Investment in this plan hinges on the legislature’s ability to send a “lockbox” measure to the ballot.
- Delaware – A 10-cent per gallon gas tax proposal has again surfaced in Delaware. While this may conjure memories of Governor Jack Markell’s push back in 2014, the current proposal is to raise the tax for a single year and revisit the need to continue the tax in the future. This boost in revenue would come on top of the increase in driver’s fees passed into law in 2015.
- Indiana – This state came into the legislative session with Governor Mike Pence’s $1 billion transportation proposal last fall. Fast forward to recent weeks and the gas tax increase that could have been allocated toward these projects is now off the table. We are keep a close eye as proposed revenue streams change and bills continue to move forward as the legislature is in its final few weeks of session.
- Missouri – The legislature here once again finds itself debating a gas tax increase. The state finds itself having to make Tough Choices Ahead as it determines whether the current transportation revenue streams will generate enough income for the state to leverage federal dollars. The Governor is in favor of a gas tax increase however, opponents have been successful at keeping a bill from advancing in either chamber.
- Nebraska – Coming off a session that passed a 6-cent phased in increase of its gas tax, Nebraska is looking to do still more for statewide transportation infrastructure. The legislature is looking to create an Infrastructure Bank with the full support of the Governor. The bill is still making its way through the unicameral legislature.
- New Jersey – Here the legislature has already decided to put a measure on the fall ballot that will dedicate all gas tax revenue to transportation projects. This is just one of many steps needed to ensure the state’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) remains solvent. The state is currently projects the TTF could be insolvent by this summer and recent reports say the state has already reached its borrowing limit for new road and bridge repair work. We are hopeful Governor Chris Christie and the legislature will arrive at a compromise.
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:-
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
ASCE Members at Illinois State Drive-In (April 2015)
- 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.
