摘要: |
An overview of the financial structure for highways is reviewed in this article, which compares recent trends in highway finance and annual investment required to maintain the current system. Pie charts and bar graphs illustrate spending patterns, sources of funds, and the annual outlays for transportation. Additional funding is required to maintain the current level of highway performance and to prevent its deterioration. Options for increasing highway revenues are provided, including increases in motor fuel taxes and user fees (tolls). The authors also suggest full use of investment income and other receipts, increasing bond issue proceeds, tapping private sources, and developing and using other creative financing. To this end, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has established "Innovative Financing" as Test and Evaluation Project, TE-045. The project encourages states, private investors, and the financial community to increase investment in transportation. |