$2.99 not enough? Some think not.
November 18, 2007
National Average
November 2006 $2.20
November 2007 $3.07
Every elected official (and every citizen) knows we need more funding for our roads. The question is what’s the best way to go about this.
I’m gonna step out on a limb here and tell you a GAS TAX is not going to be something the SC House will support. I certainly won’t. Haven’t heard about the gas tax proposal yet? It’s brewing again in the Legislature but I don’t think it has legs (again).
What my colleagues in the House can (and will) support is a dedicated funding stream for our roads. Led by House Speaker Bobby Harrell, look for dedicated funds for roads (ie – not to be used on anything else) to be included this year in our budget.
I’d like to set aside much more than I think we’ll agree to do but anything is better than what we have now. You’d be amazed at how much it costs to resurface, repair, or improve our roads. It’s really astonishing. The bottom line is this – we can’t fund it enough regardless of the amount we agree upon. That’s not hyperbole; that’s fact. That’s how much our roads are in disrepair.
With $1 billion in new money last year, I had hoped we’d set aside a larger chunk than we did. We should have done more but…well, need I say more?
Comments
4 Responses to “$2.99 not enough? Some think not.”
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Fuel tax will only work at the national level. I feel we need to do something to “force ” drivers to use more efficient vehicles or transportation means. Raising fuel costs is one way. Trucks are a major source of traffic relative to 20 years ago.
On road costs. I am an engineer and understand it cost a lot to maintain roads. What I don’t understand is why it takes so long to finish a project once started. My experience is that time is money and when a project drags on it cost someone a bunch. Just the rental on the orange drums has to cost a fortune. The Charleston bridge was built ahead of schedule and under budget. Highway 6, and Kinnerly road have dragged on and on. I hope they were bid jobs.
I admittedly know nothing about the road repair process from start to finish in the state. But I did spend 3 months in NY state this summer. A one mile road in from of our place was repaved in 3 days…start to finish including the shoulder. I seldom see any orange drums marking a road repair for more than a week. What is the difference? Because of the cold winter their standards are more stringent so it can’t be that.
Just my thoughts. You are doing a great job. Nick
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