Election Results Signify Shift in Americans' Willingness to Invest in Infrastructure
November 7th, 2014 | By: Olivia Wolfertz
In light of the recent elections, infrastructure investment has now moved from a topic of discussion into a plan for action in many states. With the nation’s pressing infrastructure needs and limited federal funds available, ASCE is pleased that many states are finding creative ways to pay for infrastructure improvements through other means. With six states successfully passing ballots to fund infrastructure, it’s clear that many Americans are tired of underinvestment and want to see initiatives to improve infrastructure in their communities. In Maryland and Wisconsin, voters approved a transportation “lockbox” to secure funds for infrastructure needs. In Texas, oil and gas taxes will be used as a source for transportation funding. Rhode Island passed an initiative allowing the sale of bonds to fund renovations to mass transit and California passed an initiative that will improve water security for the state. Even in Michigan, where there was no infrastructure-related ballot initiative, Governor Rick Snyder announced his plan to raise at least $1 billion in new revenues for road repairs through fuel taxes and fees before the end of the year. Joseph Kane, a researcher with the Metropolitan Policy Program said, “The public sees the impact of transportation on their lives every day and so the attention this issue is receiving at the ballot box shows their growing awareness of problems.” Though several states are making proactive strides to improve infrastructure through investment, not all states are willing to take these steps. Massachusetts voters repealed gas tax indexing, which would have provided critical funding for transportation in the state. Louisiana also rejected a ballot initiative which would have created an infrastructure bank. ASCE President, Bob Stevens, Ph.D., P.E., said, “By failing to increase revenue or protect funding, these states are continuing with the status-quo, which is unacceptable. Leaders at all levels of government are now tasked with finding solutions to the infrastructure deficit.” Ballot measures to improve state infrastructure are steps in the right direction but are not enough without long-term, sustainable funding at the federal level. Voters demonstrated they want more investment in infrastructure. Now it’s time for Congress to respond to that plea and #FixtheTrustFund.Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation, water
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Big Wins for Infrastructure on Election Day
November 5th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Leading up to yesterday’s election ASCE brought you information on many statewide ballot measures. ASCE staff worked with our dedicated members on the ground in California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin. The issues being put to the test ranged from roads to water and addressed improvements to aging structures, compliance with safety ordinances, or preventing the diversion of dedicated revenue.
Now that ballots have been counted, infrastructure has emerged victorious in six of eight states. California, Hawaii, Maryland, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin, all overwhelmingly voted to take steps forward in addressing their state’s needs.
A win for infrastructure is a win for the residents and businesses in the state. Whether it’s improvements to the water system, mass transit investment or designating dedicated road funding, everyone benefits from well-maintained infrastructure.
Maryland and Wisconsin voters have successfully prevented their Trust Funds from being raided for general use while Texas established an infrastructure funding that will draw from oil and gas taxes as well as borrow from “rainy day” coffers. Commuting should soon be a bit easier in Rhode Island as a significant investment in mass transit will now be made with the hopes of alleviating congestion and improving accessibility. Investing in improvements to transportation and transit infrastructure benefits both individuals and businesses as it makes travelling safer, moving goods easier, and extends the utility of existing infrastructure.
Hawaii Dam and Reservoir owners will benefit from the ability to request financial assistance as they maintain and repair structures to ensure compliance with Hawaii’s safety standards. Californians can now be better prepared for the extreme drought conditions they’re currently experiencing by investing in projects that will improve water storage and reclamation, and also improve quality and access to clean water in certain parts of the state.
In other states, increasing the investment in infrastructure was unsuccessful. Voters in Louisiana and Massachusetts chose to continue with the status quo; the lack of serious investment in aging infrastructure could end up costing the state and its residents more in the long run. Poor road conditions, like those that exist in Louisiana, are not only costly to repair but, are also burdensome to commuters as it wears on their car. A little bit of investment now could mean a significant amount of savings in the long run. Massachusetts voters opted not to ensure a steady revenue stream for the maintenance of and improvement to state bridges and roads by repealing their gas tax’s link to the consumer price index.
Pass or fail, we hope that Tuesday’s results will bring renewed interest during the 2015 state legislative session in building and maintaining infrastructure systems that reflect the growing needs of residents and its economy. Ideally this momentum will also carry through to our nation’s capital and lead Congress to #FixtheTrustFund and address other sectors of our infrastructure in critical need of attention. Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2014 for a free eLearning Webinar What Civil Engineers Need to Know About 2014 Elections, which will further dive into this topic.
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation, water
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Rock the Vote for Infrastructure on Nov. 4
October 31st, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Have you ever taken the bus to work? Driven across a bridge? Turned on the faucet for a drink of water? You may have even noticed that some of these roads and bridges are in need of some TLC. Perhaps, you’ve heard news stories about how water becomes scarce at the time of drought, or the opposite, that dams might breech due to epic rains.
If any of this sounds familiar to you, Tuesday’s election is your chance to tackle your local infrastructure challenges head on!
Statewide ballot measures affecting everything from roads and bridges to water infrastructure needs will be put in your hands in at least eight states and many more localities. Here’s a rundown of what you could see in your neck of the woods:
- California’s Proposition 1 asks voters to authorize the sale of bonds to invest statewide water supply infrastructure improvements. In a time of severe drought California needs you to vote “yes” to improve water storage, water quality, and reclamation.
- Hawaii voters will be asked to authorize “special purpose revenue bonds” to provide public and private dam and reservoir owners with financial assistance to maintain and improve structures. Voting “yes” on Question 4 will make this possible.
- Louisiana needs a “yes” vote on Amendment 4 to authorize the allocation of state funds to an infrastructure bank for eligible transportation projects and prompt the state legislature to take necessary steps toward the Bank’s creation. This is your chance to improve current road conditions and make your daily commute safer!
- Massachusetts needs a “no” vote on Question 1 to maintain the gas tax indexing component of the gas tax increase enacted in 2013. Allow the gas tax to remain linked to the Consumer Price Index and ensure a projected $1 billion of dedicated transportation revenue will be made available over the next decade to modernize roads and bridges.
- Maryland’s Question 1 needs your “yes” vote to ensure that revenue allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund will be used exclusively for the construction and maintenance of highways as well as related transportation purposes.
- Rhode Island’s Question 6 will allow the State to issue bonds and notes to fund enhancements and renovations to mass transit hub infrastructure. Vote “yes” will not only improve access to key transportation sites, healthcare, and other locations but, also stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs.
- Texas needs a “yes” vote on Proposition 1 to have funds from the state’s “rainy day” coffers and a portion of the state’s oil and gas tax revenues allocated to a dedicated fund for transportation projects. This measure creates a dedicated fund for the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of Texas’ roadways, and calls for the creation of a commission to identify Texas Department of Transportation savings.
- Wisconsin voters, like Maryland, are faced with a Question 1 that will prevent revenue allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund from being transferred into the state’s general fund. Vote “yes” to ensure transportation revenue earned by the state is used as intended!
- Voters in Humboldt County, California, and a few of its independent cities, will be asked to establish or raise sales taxes for various public works projects.
- In Colorado residents in the Pikes Peak region will be asked to invest in stormwater infrastructure by voting to create and fund the El Paso Regional Drainage Authority.
- The City of Wilmington, North Carolina ballot will ask citizens to approve a 2-cent property tax increase (about $40 per year for a $200,000 home) to improve the utility and safety of roads and sidewalks. Improvements include realigning intersections, adding traffic signals, and crosswalks.
- In Greenville County, South Carolina, ballots will include a 1% “sales and use” tax increase to fund road and bridge improvements as well as crosswalks and pedestrian trails.</span.
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, gas tax, infrastructure, water infrastructure
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Enhance Rhode Island’s Mass Transit Systems — Vote “Yes” on Question 6
October 29th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Support improved mobility and a reduction in road congestion by voting to “approve” Question 6 on November 4th.
Rhode Island voters will be asked to invest in transit improvements to make travel, and commuting, easier. Passing this measure will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue bonds and notes to fund enhancements and renovations to mass transit hub infrastructure throughout the State of Rhode Island to improve access to multiple intermodal sites, key transportation, healthcare, and other locations.
This new vision for travel in Rhode Island would benefit not only the system’s current users but also attract a new generation of users who value transportation choice and convenience. Ultimately, reliable transportation and livable, walkable communities are needs that all Rhode Islanders can relate to; our families, our industries, and our economy depend on them. On Tuesday, remember these key facts about Question 6:
✓ It increases the accessibility of transportation, increasing access to health care facilities and other locations.
✓ Improved mass transit will reduce congestion on our roads, making commutes quick and safer
✓ Funding will allow Rhode Island to leverage infrastructure funding from federal and private partners.
✓ Improvement to the transit system will lead to more jobs and economic development.
Rhode Island deserves a 21st Century mass transit system. Create job opportunities and increase economic development by passing Question 6!
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, surface transportation
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Vote “Yes” to Invest in a Louisiana Infrastructure Bank
October 23rd, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Amend the Louisiana State Constitution on November 4 to allow the legislature to designate public funds for eligible transportation projects. This is a critical step towards establishing the Louisiana Infrastructure Bank as it creates a mechanism to allocate funds that will provide the state with safer roads and stimulate local economies. A “yes” vote on Amendment 4 will authorize the allocation of state funds to an infrastructure bank for eligible transportation projects and prompt the state legislature to take necessary steps toward the Bank’s creation. Louisiana has a severely underfunded infrastructure which has resulted in deteriorating roads and unsafe driving conditions for its residents. While this amendment would not create the infrastructure bank itself, it is the initial step toward improving road conditions. A vote in support of the infrastructure bank will ensure funds are available to improve road conditions throughout the state. When casting your vote on November 4, remember this: ✓ The current fuel tax is not keeping up with the growing costs of maintaining Louisiana’s roads. ✓ Louisiana needs a dedicated revenue stream to improve current conditions. ✓ The measure will allow the state to fund transportation project without increasing taxes or fees. ✓ Investing in infrastructure projects creates jobs and stimulates the local economy. ASCE supports the creation and operation of a state infrastructure banks. Such a bank would leverage public funds and private dollars to invest in infrastructure – transportation, water resources, environment, energy, telecommunications, and public facilities projects. The Louisiana Section of ASCE is also supportive of Amendment 4. To help Louisiana take a step in the right direction the Section has pledged their support of the “4 for the Roads” campaign. “4 for the Roads” is a movement to educate Louisiana citizens of the importance of passing Constitutional Amendment 4. Organizations driving the campaign include engineering societies, transportation associations and contractor groups. The time is now to establish a funding source to ease traffic congestion and repair the state’s roads and bridges. Vote “yes” on November 4!Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation
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Vote “For” Question 1!: Protect Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund
October 23rd, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Wisconsin voters aren’t the only ones who will be asked to decide how the state can spend its transportation dollars. On November 4, Maryland voters will also head to the polls to address this very issue.
Question 1 will appear on the ballot statewide and if passed, will ensure that revenue allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund will be used exclusively for the construction and maintenance of highways as well as related transportation purposes.
The measure offers the strongest possible protection for the Transportation Trust Fund by prohibiting future transfers to the general fund. Up to now, legislative remedies have not been enough to stem the “raiding” of Maryland’s transportation coffers. Only a constitutional amendment can ensure that major funds are available for current and future road and transit improvements.
A vote “for” provides a reliable source of transportation funding without the creation of new taxes, tolls or user fees as it hinders the diversion of Maryland’s transportation funding for non-transportation purposes. When voting, remember this:
- A “lock box” will be created ensuring funds will only be able to be used for transportation related purposes. The only override is a declared fiscal emergency and a three-fifths vote in both houses.
- You will prevent further raiding of the state’s transportation dollars. Over $1 billion has already been diverted from local transportation projects and never refunded.
- 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.
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation
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Protect Wisconsin’s Transportation Trust Fund — Vote “Yes” on Question 1!
October 22nd, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
On November 4, Wisconsin voters will be asked to decide how the state can spend its transportation dollars. Question 1 will appear on the ballot statewide and if passed, will ensure that revenue allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund will not get transferred in to the state’s general fund. A vote “for” will ensure a reliable source of transportation funding without the creation of new taxes, tolls or user fees. It will also change the state of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation from a statutory agency to one provided for by the state’s constitution. Prevent the diversion of Wisconsin’s transportation funding for non-transportation purposes. When going to the polls on November 4, remember this:- A “lock box” will be created ensuring funds will be deposited into the Transportation Fund and only be able to be used for transportation-related purposes.
- All taxes and fees related to motor vehicles, aircraft, and railroads collected after December 31, 2010 would now be deposited into the Transportation Trust.
- The measure will elevate the Department of Transportation from a statutory agency to a constitutional agency.
- The measure does not create additional taxes or user fees.
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, infrastructure, transportation
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Hawaii Votes on Funding Dam and Reservoir Repairs
October 15th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
On November 4, Hawaii voters will decide whether “special purpose revenue bonds” will be sold as a means of generating financial assistance to dam and reservoir owners to aid in improvements or maintenance to ensure compliance with safety standards. Amendment 5, a constitutional amendment, will read as follows: “Shall the State be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water resources?.” A vote “for” will allow the legislature to issue “special purposes revenue bonds” that will provide needed assistance to owners without placing an undue burden on the state. A similar measure was defeated by voters in 2012. In order to take effect the measure must not only win a majority of votes on this proposal but, must also win a majority of all voters in this election. This makes it ever more critical to ensure funds are available to assist all dam/reservoir owners. To ensure additional funds can be made available to improve Hawaii’s dams and reservoirs, protect public safety and preserve important water sources, remember this when you vote: ✓ Special Purpose Revenue Bonds will not create an additional burden for the state or taxpayers. ✓ Both public and private entities will have an opportunity to seek out special purpose bonds. ✓ The measure will have no effect on current or future tax rates or spending levels. ✓ Breaches not only create a public safety risk but, can cause significant damage to infrastructure in the surrounding area. Ensuring funds are available for dam and reservoir improvement is in the public interest. Amendment 5 is supported by the ASCE Hawaii Section in addition to local Chamber of Commerce and a number of agricultural and land use groups. It is also one of 15 legislative proposals endorsed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2014. Preserve the integrity of dams and reservoirs throughout the state by supporting this important ballot measure!Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, dams, infrastructure
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California Proposition 1 Invests in Water Infrastructure
October 13th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
Proposition 1 is a statewide ballot measure that will provide a dedicated source of funding to California’s water supply infrastructure. This includes much needed public water system improvements, surface and groundwater storage, drinking water protection, recycling and advanced water treatment technology among other eligible projects. California is the midst of a severe, multi-year drought and has an aging water infrastructure system. This ballot measure is a fiscally responsible step toward meeting the state’s overall water needs. It secures California’s water future by keeping family farms and businesses productive, stimulates the economy through the construction of new facilities needed to store, deliver, and treat water. A “yes” vote will ensure a reliable source of funding and prioritize investment in state water infrastructure projects. ASCE recognizes that America’s drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems are aging or failing and must be upgraded or expanded to meet increasing federal and state environmental requirements. These requirements have created a crisis that is beyond the means of local communities to solve and for which federal assistance is clearly justified. Not meeting the investment needs of the next 20 years risks reversing the environmental, public health, and economic gains of the last three decades. A “yes” vote will ensure funding for key public benefits: water quality, flood control and the preservation of natural habitat. When you talk with a neighbor about the election, remember this: ✓ Provides safe drinking water for all communities. ✓ Expands water storage capacity as a means of managing and preparing for drought. ✓ Invests in water conservation, recycling and improved local water supplies. ✓ Increases flood protection. ✓ Secure and safeguard California’s water supply without raising taxes. The measure is currently supported by ASCE Region 9 and a number of professional societies, members of the business community, conservation groups, and leading state politicians. Support a comprehensive state water plan by voting “yes” on Proposition 1 in November.Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, water, water infrastructure
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Say “No” to Aging Infrastructure Massachusetts: Vote “No” on Question 1!
October 9th, 2014 | By: Maria Matthews
A statewide ballot question that would eliminate gas tax indexing will appear on the November ballot. The passage of Question 1 would be a step backward for the state, causing roads and bridges to fall into further disrepair.
The Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section has endorsed the Committee for Safer Roads and Bridges campaign and ASCE joins them in urging a “NO” vote on Question 1 on November 4th.
If the “Yes” votes pass the ballot measure, it would eliminate the requirement that the state’s gasoline tax:
(1) be adjusted every year by the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding year, but
(2) not be adjusted below 21.5 cents per gallon.
If the “No” votes defeat the measure, Massachusetts will see no change to the gas increases established by the Transportation Finance Act of 2013 and retain the ability to more adequately meet its infrastructure needs.
Our aging infrastructure can’t wait. Experts say that far too many of Massachusetts bridges are structurally deficient, with many more becoming functionally obsolete. Not only is public safety put at risk when critical transportation funds are cut, but it also impedes economic growth. A safe and reliable transportation system that enables us to move goods and services and commute to work is the backbone of our economy. Repealing the indexing feature of the state’s gas tax would be a step backward.
Allowing the gas tax to remain linked to the consumer price index will:
- Ensure the gas tax keeps up with need. We went 22 years without an increase in our gas tax causing us to fall behind other states and our roads and bridges to deteriorate.
- Enable Massachusetts to invest wisely in the creation and maintenance of infrastructure.
- Provide a more stable revenue stream so Massachusetts will not have to burden commuters and other motorists with tolls.
- Keep Massachusetts competitive in the national and global economy.
- Create jobs by maintaining a steady revenue stream that can fund investments in transportation.
Tags: 2014BallotInitiatives, gas tax, infrastructure
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