摘要: |
North Dakota, as well as other Great Plains states, relies heavily on agriculture for economic viability. Transport of commodities from farm to market is an important issue and one where research is needed. As funding for rural roads is decreasing, the need for improvements and maintenance of rural roads used for agricultural freight transportation is increasing. Producers are using bigger, heavier trucks to move products to market which could have negative impacts on rural road conditions. Although it is obvious that these rural roads are in need of improvements, it is un1mown exactly what rural road services producers think are most important and if producers would pay more for bettering these services. In addition, it is not known what methods farmers believe would be best for financing such improvements. The objective of this report is to ascertain information on user willingness-to-pay for improving service on gravel roads and user perceptions of funding for improving freight transportation services, such as road surface, safety and maintenance in rural areas. Ultimately this information will contribute to efficient resource management by local, county government and the North Dakota Department of Transportation. |