Under the Golden Dome, Too

By: 
Linda Upmeyer

Time for a dime?
 
    Legislation continued to work its way through the subcommittee and committee process at the Statehouse last week. Bills are being carefully reviewed as we continue to receive valuable input from Iowans across the state on a variety of subjects.
    One issue that I’ve been receiving feedback on is our aging infrastructure system and finding the resources needed to improve it. Over the past few years, I have been gathering thoughts on all sides of this issue. It is clear through these conversations that Iowans deserve and expect our roads to be safe for travel. Quality reliable roads and bridges are also key to Iowa’s economic growth and prosperity. 
    Our public roadway system is comprised of over 114,000 miles with approximately 25,000 bridges. Nationally, Iowa ranks fifth in the number of bridges and 13th in miles of roadway. We are fortunate to have an extensive roadway system throughout the state, which allows us to maintain an efficient flow of commerce; however, maintaining this infrastructure is expensive.
    The Iowa Department of Transportation has estimated there is a $215 million annual shortfall needed to improve our roads and bridges that are considered to be in critical condition. Over the past several years, we have asked everyone to find efficiencies and savings where we can. This has proven to be effective, as millions of dollars have been refocused into improving our roads. 
    The evidence is clear that additional funding is still needed to improve our state’s infrastructure. Many counties across Iowa have turned to bonding to pay for this need. We have heard loud and clear from you that our infrastructure needs should not be paid for through property taxes.
    In some cases, the length of time to repay the debt incurred through bonding, outlives the life of the project. For example, a 20-year bond obligation could be used to pay for a resurfacing project that’s expected to last ten years. This is unacceptable. 
    The majority of the feedback we’ve received from Iowans demonstrates an increased fuel tax, which will require out-of-state drivers to contribute to our roadway needs as well, is the preferred mechanism for generating the revenue. As a result of this feedback, leadership from all four caucuses, the governor, and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, worked together to find consensus on legislation to reflect this desire.
    HF 351/SF 257 will increase Iowa’s motor fuel tax by 10 cents per gallon. The revenue generated from this increased user fee will be deposited directly into the Road Use Tax Fund (RUTF). This fund is constitutionally-protected, meaning that approximately 95 percent of the revenue in the fund is spent only on roads and bridges. HF 351/SF 257 provides an ongoing, sustainable funding mechanism to meet the needs of our aging roads and bridges. 
    We will continue to hold all levels of government accountable for how the money is spent. At the same time, state and local governments will continue to seek increased savings and efficiencies. 
    We expect the Iowa Department of Transportation, counties and cities to spend all taxpayer dollars wisely. Thank you for all of your feedback over the past several months.  The insight and perspective you have provided is greatly appreciated. 
            My legislative forums have begun. The Butler County REC and Farm Bureau are sponsoring a forum at the AmVets Building in Allison on Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. I will be at Center One in Hampton later that afternoon for the Franklin County Development Legislative Forum at 1 p.m.. If you’re able to attend one of these meetings, please stop by. You can also always reach me at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa

Hampton Chronicle

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