IBTTA: States are ‘not waiting for the Federal Government to act’

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) has responded to the US mid-term election results when Republicans seized control of the Senate; Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO said: “The transportation ballot initiatives in Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas and Wisconsin are strong evidence that states are not waiting for the federal government to act. "Reflecting ongoing concerns over the future of the federal surface transportation reauthorisation, state and local governme
November 5, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
RSSThe International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (63 IBTTA) has responded to the US mid-term election results when Republicans seized control of the Senate; Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO said: “The transportation ballot initiatives in Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas and Wisconsin are strong evidence that states are not waiting for the federal government to act.

"Reflecting ongoing concerns over the future of the federal surface transportation reauthorisation, state and local governments are embracing home-grown ways to tackle their infrastructure funding challenges.

"As we move into 2015, we need to make sure that states and localities have maximum flexibility to use the funding and financing tools that are most appropriate for them to build and maintain their vital surface transportation infrastructure.

"Whatever the final outcome of today’s Congressional elections, we are hopeful that the next Congress can, at the very least, enable the states to consider all transportation funding alternatives available. Tolling, fuel taxes, road usage charges and infrastructure banks are all valuable tools to be considered and used appropriately.

"There are no free roads. It’s time to make tough choices to ensure that drivers are safe, our infrastructure is well maintained and our economy is moving.”

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