Cities, more than counties, appear to have options available to supplement state and federal funds for road maintenance needs to some degree. Deferred maintenance today comes at the price of costlier rehabilitation needs in the future. We pay for good roads whether we have them or not. Although California once enjoyed the best highway system in the country, the condition of its roads now ranks 43rd among states. The costs of not repairing roads fall directly on motorists.
Congestion has direct costs as well.
Based on the overall needs identified in the CTC report and the recent TRIP report, additional investments in our road system can reduce the direct costs to road users far in excess of the cost to repair and improve our system. Suggested Solutions Implementing long-term funding solutions would be beneficial to the safety, economic strength, and quality of life for California citizens. It will require leadership from the state and its willingness to work closely with its partners, including counties, cities, metropolitan planning organizations, and other transportation interests, to find long-term solutions. Allow counties to borrow from the state's gas tax cash reserves for earlier project delivery. Many counties must save several years of revenue to pay for projects.