Infrastructure investment was again a prevailing theme on ballots in many states this past election season. The midterm election poised an opportunity for states to create new revenue streams as well as secure existing ones. Let’s recap what happened with infrastructure initiatives on state ballots:
- California rejected a repeal of the 10-cent gas tax increase with 55.4% of the vote. This means that the 6,500 road & bridge safety, transportation and public transit improvement projects can continue.
- Connecticut dedicated their fuel tax revenue to transportation projects by passing a lockbox measure.
- Maine voters once again approved a transportation bond measure, which approved funding not only for the state’s roadways and bridges but, also airports, ports, rail and transit.
- Hillsborough County, Florida approved a sales tax increase to fund long-sought transportation improvement projects as well as school repairs.
Two of the state ballot measures ASCE had been working diligently on regrettably did not pass. ASCE will continue to work with both of these state legislatures to find innovative ways to improve infrastructure in their states.
- Missouri disappointingly rejected a 10-cent fuel tax increase, which would have allocated an estimated $400 million for Missouri’s transportation infrastructure improvements. Missouri’s gas tax will remain the 49th lowest in the country at 17 cents per gallon.
- Colorado will not see any new money for transportation initiatives after Proposition 110 was defeated, which would have increased the state’s sales tax by .62% and created an estimated $800 million for local road & transit projects.
Three non-transportation ballot measures ASCE followed fared well following yesterday’s vote:
- The City of Houston, Texas soundly passed Proposition A, which will continue funding for Rebuild Houston, a drainage improvement program.
- Rhode Island overwhelmingly approved $250 million for public school building improvements as well as $47.3 million for clean water.
As you head out on your daily commute, whether behind the wheel or aboard local transit, consider these results prime examples of how you can contribute to infrastructure improvements with just a single vote. Moving forward, the ASCE will continue to work closely on a bipartisan basis with state and federal legislators to identify and advance solutions for infrastructure funding across the country.