The TBD would be a vehicle registration fee of between $20 and $40 every time you register your car. City councils could implement up to a $20 fee without voter approval, but if they want to charge more, it would be up to voters to approve.
Under state law, at least nine of the 14 governments within Spokane County must support a TBD, and they must represent at least 75% of the county population to get the TBD passed. The money raised would go to maintain our current streets and build new transportation facilities. Each jurisdiction would get back 70% of the money collected within their boundaries to use however they wish, as long as it's on transportation projects. The other 30% would be pooled and used for larger projects of 'regional significance', such as the North Spokane Corridor.
So all this casting around for new sources of funding got me thinking; what are some new ways to raise money for transportation-related projects? Any ideas?
I was sitting in traffic in Coeur d'Alene a couple weeks ago when the fire department was doing their 'fill the boot' campaign for Jerry's Kids. I only had a handful of change to contribute, but I noticed a large number of drivers sticking tens and twenties out their windows. What if we had attractive transportation planners and engineers stand in traffic and try to collect money? My suspicion is that we would have at least one injury and several engineers wander off. So do you have a better idea?If not, would you support the TBD and be willing to pay a little more to have better roads? How much would you be willing to pay?
4 comments:
I always have a problem with flat fees for road repairs since I do not drive a whole lot each year, I think a local gas tax would be better, but I also realize the problem with a gas tax is it keeps decreasing every year as more people buy more fuel efficient vehicles. So a small flat fee may be the only way to raise the money needed for road repairs.
There has also been talk in the past about a user fee based on how many miles you drive per year. In your case, that sounds like the best option, although that hasn't been mentioned in a while as a feasible funding option.
I think we need to start charging those who do much of the damage, users of studded tires. A fee for each sale and another fee each time they are mounted. Maybe $10 for each sale (per tire) and $5 for each mounting. That would be a reasonable user fee and a step in the right direction to pay for repairs.
I am also in favor of a street utility tax. We all benefit from the road, whether we drive, bike or walk. Our food is delivered on these roads, our mail, etc. When we get home repairs, they use the roads. We all benefit, so we all need to pay.
There have been attempts in the past to charge a fee in Washington State to use studded tire, most recently in 2001.
THREE bills on studded tires were introduced that year. One of those requested a $15 fee per studded tire sold.
None of the bills made it out of committee.
That was nine years ago though, so maybe it's time to try again? It sounds like lawmakers are scrambling around so much to come up with new sources to fund maintenance and construction that it wouldn't surprise me if someone pitched a studded tire fee again soon.
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