Under the new federal highway bill, there also are significant additional funds available for non-interstate construction. Our interstates are among the oldest and most traveled in the nation. The wear and tear is taking its toll. Our interstates are among the worst in the nation. The longer we wait the more difficult and expensive it will be to keep up with the deterioration.
Poor roads are dangerous, they slow commerce and increase road user costs.
The revenue stream to support this bond issue will be federal funds designated for interstate maintenance, the required state matching monies and a 3-cent diesel fuel tax. The bond issue will be subject to a vote of the people after passage by the Legislature. The diesel fuel tax will be created under a separate bill. The bond issue and diesel tax bills will be structured so that both will have to pass for the program to go into effect. This plan will bring all of our interstate miles rated in poor or very poor condition into good condition.