Conference Shows the Need for Infrastructure Investment
June 22nd, 2010
On June 21, the A Safer Road to Tomorrow coalition participated in a press conference with The Road Information Program (TRIP) about the current state of New Hampshire’s roads and bridges. Safer Road Partner and the Business and Industry Association’s Senior Vice President, Dave Juvet, led the conference. Carolyn Bonifas, the Associate Director of Research and Communication at TRIP, represented the organization and presented the report, which she authored, “Moving New Hampshire Forward: The Condition and Funding of New Hampshire’s Roads, Highways & Bridges” at the conference. Safer Roads partners including, David Cahill of NH Chiefs of Police, Chris Bean of NH Good Roads, and Gary Abbott of the Associated General Contractors of NH attended; as did Executive Councilor Ray Burton, Representatives Candace Bouchard and David Campbell, Department of Transportation Commissioner George Campbell, the American Council of Engineering Companies, Peter McNamara of the NH Automotive Dealers Association, Tim Roache of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission, Paul Saunders of the Municipal Association, Larry Major of Pike Industries, and the Brain Injury Association. Reporters from WMUR, the Union Leader, the Nashua Telegraph, the Concord Monitor, and New Hampshire Public Radio covered the event.
Ms. Bonifas began the conference by giving an overview of the current state of New Hampshire’s roadways. She emphasized the important link between adequate roads and a strong economy, and the immense need for federal funding in the form of a long term transportation bill. Through her presentation she spoke of the numerous crucial projects that need to be completed to improve NH’s mobility, but are unable to be because of lack of funding. Poor road conditions cost drivers too, about $259 annual in extra vehicle operating costs. She stated that without more funding, dozens of projects will hit a road block, which will create greater safety concerns.
Each attendee was given a copy of the full report, which mirrored Ms. Bonifas’ address. The report touches on the many factors influencing transportation and the many factors affected by transportation. Population growth is among those influencing factors. Increasing population has lead to a rise in vehicle miles travelled, putting more strain on the roads and bridges. This is also coupled with an extension of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation of Equity Act- A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Federal funding levels have not been increased, and state funding from the gas tax is decreasing. This combination of factors adds more stress to the system, and delays much needed projects. “As New Hampshire’s roads and highways continue to age, they will reach a point where routine paving and maintenance will not be adequate to keep pavement surfaces in good condition, and costly reconstruction of the roadway and its underlying surfaces will become necessary.” In fact, 1/3 of NH’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition, and the amount of structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges equals 1/3 of the total bridges as well.
Adequate highways and bridges are important to continued economic development in the state. “As the economy expands, creating more jobs and increasing consumer expectation, the demand for consumer and business products grows.” This creates an influx of trucks on the roadways from manufacturers striving to meet the demand. To stay competitive, New Hampshire needs roads and bridges that can sustain the impact of increased travel, and efficiently move goods across the state.
Maintaining the roadways is necessary for economic health, allowing the travel industry to flourish and goods to travel from manufacturers to consumers. It is also important to protect the safety of the state’s citizens. From 2004 to 2008 an average of 146 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. These fatalities can be attributed to driving behavior, weather conditions, but also road geometrics. Roadway geometrics and features cause an estimated one-third of fatal accidents. “Where appropriate, roadway improvements such as adding turn lanes, removing or shielding obstacles, adding or improving medians, widening lanes, widening and paving shoulders, improving intersection layout, and providing better road markings and upgrading/installing traffic signals could reduce the severity and occurrences of serious traffic crashes.”
Following the presentation of the report, Executive Councilor Ray Burton spoke. He told the media that the roads in New Hampshire need attention, especially the secondary ones. He said that our Congressional Delegates, and those running for office, need to take a good look at the roads, and take action to improve them. NH’s infrastructure has problems that need to be addressed now, and they cannot wait. Fellow Legislators, Representatives Candace Bouchard and David Campbell, also shared a few words on the importance of transportation, adequate roads, and their HB 2 Commission which is studying alternative sources of revenue for the Highway Trust Fund. They echoed Ms. Bonifas’ statement that the condition of the roads and bridges in a state directly relate to the economic health of that state. Representative Bouchard stated that the state needs a predictable, reliable, and sustainable source of federal funding. Representative Campbell also spoke briefly about the recently passed Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan and its evolution towards a more financially constrained plan.
DOT Commissioner George Campbell expanded on the Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan, and said that the federal partnership is key in planning and prioritizing the projects. He also touched on the federal funding problems, saying that currently the federal government is funding at $285 billion, but is only collecting approximately half of that in revenue. He mentioned the benefit from the stimulus money, but said that the federal government needs to develop a funding plan for the states.
As the conference ended, one important theme resonated throughout each speech: the importance of federal funding. Road and bridge improvements are necessary to remain strong economically and address safety concerns, but they cannot be successfully completed without funding. A reauthorization would provide much funding for projects that will alleviate congestions and promote greater mobility throughout the state. Federal funding accounts for 24% of the revenue used annually the state’s Department of Transportation, and it’s because of these federal funds that New Hampshire is able to complete numerous projects and rehabilitative work.
Full the full report and other materials please visit our “Publications” page and click “Other Media”.
TRIP is a non profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on surface transportation issues.
Report Suggests New User Fee in Five Years
April 30th, 2010
A new user fee for the highway system in five years? That is what a report released by the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research and development organization is saying. “Implementable Strategies for Shifting to Direct Usage-Based Charges for Transportation Funding” claims that instituting vehicle miles traveled (VMT) can happen in as little as five years.
VMT is system that charges motorists a fee for the amount of miles they drive in a given time period. This new user fee system would be able to keep pace easier with inflation and rising costs than the motor fuel tax currently has. The long used standard of charging motorists a fuel tax to pay for infrastructure needs has been losing purchasing power over the years. Rising inflation and more fuel efficient cars have been the main culprits. Along with these two causes, rising costs and no increases in the tax have led to less revenue for the Federal Highway Trust Fund.
A new system is needed that will adequately charge motorists for the amount they use the roads. The RAND report suggests VMT is one of the best solutions and explains these conclusions as well as some of the negatives. The report begins with listing the two biggest obstacles to implementing VMT: 1. It is not evident whether increasing VMT fees to keep pace with inflation and rising costs will face the same obstacles as the motor fuels tax has, and 2. Administering VMT has the potential to be costlier and more time consuming than collecting the fuel tax.
If those obstacles are overcome, the report suggests that implementation of a VMT system will take off rapidly once it has begun. The report suggests three ways VMT could be calculated: a global positioning system, cellular device connected to the vehicle, or metering mileage based on fuel consumption. The choice of which metering device to use is ultimately up to the policy goals of a state. If one of the main policy goals is to reduce congestion, then the state will need a more sophisticated system that can record the time of travel.
Three studies on different ways to implement a VMT system were conducted as research for the report. First is general-purpose distance-based road use charges. This system has not been used for all vehicles on the roads. There have been several trials using cars and light-duty trucks that have received positive results. This system would vary costs based on the weight of a vehicle and the distance traveled which could result in financial incentives that support numerous policy goals. This option would require a GPS to monitor the VMT, which creates a number of privacy concerns among users.
A second option is weight-distance truck tolls. This choice would charge heavy trucks an appropriate cost for road usage based on the weight of the vehicle. It could lead to more efficient collection of charges for trucks. The downside to this option is the higher cost truckers would incur. The RAND report suggests this could be offset by providing benefits to the trucking industry.
Lastly, the report suggests using a pay-as-you-drive insurance/leasing program. This system would vary insurance or lease rates on a per-mile basis. The decision to implement this program is left in the private sector, and is largely market-based.
In order to begin using a VMT system to fund infrastructure repairs, federal and state governments need to work together. Implementing a new system will take effort of the part of state governments to outline their transportation policy goals, and what will be best for their citizens. Similarly, the Federal government will need to issue guidelines for the new system.
There are many other facets to the report such as forecasting revenue, the state perspective, and a more in-depth look at the studies. If you are interested in reading the full report, please use this link http://www.rand.org/pubs/reprints/RP1395/.
Federal Government Toughens Gas Mileage Standards
April 13th, 2010
The federal government hopes to achieve 35.5 miles per gallon combined for cars and trucks by 2016. This is an increase of ten miles per gallon over the current standards. The announcement by the Obama administration will create the next wave of fuel efficient, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
To correspond with the mileage standard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has set a tailpipe emissions standard of 250 grams of carbon dioxide a mile for vehicles sold in 2016. Additionally, EPA has issued the first rules on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation 2010 Event: A Bridge to Tomorrow on April 22
March 30th, 2010
The Business and Industry Association (BIA) will be hosting Transportation 2010: A Bridge to Tomorrow on April 22 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. The event will look at the state of NH’s highway program, what funding issues need to be addressed, federal funds, the future of commuter rail in New Hampshire, etc. Panelists include: Mark Brewer, director, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport; Michael Pillsbury, deputy commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Transportation; Rep. Candace Bouchard, chair, New Hampshire House Public Works Committee; and Janet Kavinoky, director of infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. and the panel will begin at 12:20 p.m. The cost to attend is $35 for BIA and Safer Road members (AGC of NH, Chiefs of Police, NH Lodging & Restaurant Association, NH Good Roads Association, the Business & Industry Association and the Safety & Health Council of Northern New England) and $49 for non-members. Register online at www.nhbia.org or call BIA at (603) 224-5388 x116.
2010 Calendar Released
January 1st, 2010
An intricate pattern of roads and bridges runs across New Hampshire. These roads and bridges form a backbone for residents and visitors to travel on. A strong infrastructure keeps New Hampshire’s economy and way of life thriving, broken it poses a serious threat to both.
New Hampshire’s backbone is showing signs of breaking. Increased use has led to wear and tear that many of the roads and bridges were not designed to handle. Each year that the roadways are not adequately maintained and repaired leads to an even greater need in the next year. Lack of sufficient highway fund revenue has put New Hampshire’s infrastructure into disrepair. This year our state was fortunate enough to receive stimulus funds from the federal government. The extra funding helped New Hampshire pave more roads than in previous years and start delayed projects, but was not the long-term solution that is needed to maintain the roads and bridges. Potholes, cracks, and deterioration cover the roadways and bridges. Two high traffic bridges were closed in 2009 because of problems that made them unsafe to use. As the deterioration increases, it will become more expensive to repair the roads and bridges, and lead to a greater need for rebuilding. Repairs are being made, and thanks to the stimulus, nearly 760 miles of road were resurfaced in 2009, compared to just 250 miles that were planned for resurfacing.
However, the stimulus didn’t provide enough funds to cover all the necessary repairs and projects. The State Highway Fund will fall into a deficit of $7.128 million dollars in 2011. The need for funding continues to grow as revenue appears to be declining. One part of a long-term solution could be found in a six-year Federal Highway Reauthorization. A full Reauthorization could provide continuous funding for transportation projects, and create work and jobs for the construction industry. Without the Reauthorization, funding levels will remain the same, meaning that projects will be put on hold even longer. New Hampshire’s roads and bridges need to be a top priority for our state to jump start our economy. Secondly, we need a self-sustaining Highway Fund and a long-term program is the key to keeping roads and bridges in adequate condition. Infrastructure funding needs to be a priority for everyone- the driving public, road agents, and our elected officials.
This year’s calendar depicts roads and bridges across New Hampshire in both good and bad condition. Pictures of construction, tourism, and government show the large role infrastructure plays in the economy, and everyday activities.
The Crumbling of America
June 20th, 2009
The Crumbling of America, a special on the current state of America’s infrastructure, will air on the History Channel on June 23rd at 9 PM and again on Sunday, June 28th at 5 PM.
The Crumbling of America
America’s infrastructure is collapsing. Tens of thousands of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. A third of the nation’s highways are in poor or mediocre shape. Massively leaking water and sewage systems are creating health hazards, and contaminating rivers and streams. Weakened and under-maintained levees and dams tower over communities and schools. And the power grid is increasingly maxed out, disrupting millions of lives and putting entire cities in the dark. The Crumbling of America explores these problems using expert interviews, on location shooting and computer generated animation to illustrate the kinds of infrastructure disasters that could be just around the bend.
Check your local listings for your area and additional broadcasts. For more information, visit the History Channel website at http://www.history.com/shows.do?action=detail&episodeId=452430.
2009 Calendar Is Released
December 29th, 2008
Safer Roads annual calendar was released in December. This year’s calendar shows a variety of images from all over the state, from good and bad roads to tourism to safety, along with statistics that describe their relationship with the importance of infrastructure in the state. Included are a number of photos showing construction projects under way and even a comparison of a repaired municipal roadway that was a calendar cover photo a few years ago. Our previous calendars mostly focused on the scope of deficiencies in the state’s highways and bridges.
A large percentage of the state’s roads have suffered over the years due to lack of sufficient funding, and are at the point where each year of neglect will result in a much more rapid rate of deterioration and higher repair costs. The 2009 calendar was sent in December to Safer Roads partners, elected officials, state agencies, and municipal road agents. It is our belief that if people understand the transportation problems, they can thoughtfully evaluate and contribute to effective solutions.
WMUR Highlights Highway Needs
November 14th, 2008
New Hampshire’s WMUR TV ran the story “As Motorists Drive Less, Highway Budgets Suffer” on Sunday, November 9th. The idea for this story came from Safer Roads’ DVD “A Safer Road to a Sound Future” that was sent to WMUR to inform them about the condition of the state’s infrastructure. Not long after they received it, WMUR’s Sean McDonald interviewed AGC’s Gary Abbott, a partner of the Safer Roads coalition.
During his interview, Gary explained to McDonald about the recent inflation of construction costs for materials necessary to maintain our roads and bridges and the shortfall in the revenue needed to fund their maintenance. There has been a 15 percent increase in costs in the past 12 months, as opposed to an average increase of 12.6 percent in the 4 previous years. Meanwhile, gas tax revenue has remained flat over the last 3 years, as compared to an average 2 percent growth in the prior 10 years ending in 2005. And while gas prices are going up, gas consumption is going down.
The story that WMUR ran emphasized the poor condition of New Hampshire’s transportation network. McDonald used road and bridge footage from the Safer Roads DVD and statistics from his interview with Gary, as well as interview snippets with Gary and with DOT Commissioner George Campbell. The Commissioner stated that “we’re spending $100,000 a day more than we’re taking in for income. Since May 1, our traffic volume is down 7.9 percent. . . which means the state will likely get $8 million less in revenue next fiscal year.”
The 4-minute story very clearly showed crumbling bridges and poorly maintained and congested roads. Those images were paired with statistics reflecting insufficient income and increasing outlays, and a grim prognosis for the state’s infrastructure if the levels of income and need continue to diverge.
If you would like to view the WMUR video, follow this link: http://www.wmur.com/video/17933966/index.html.
You may find the article that ran with the video at http://www.wmur.com/news/17933190/detail.html.
Congress Passes Highway Trust Fund Fix Just in Time
September 17th, 2008
The Federal Highway Administration announced in September a 30-40% cut in disbursements which would create a $52 million shortfall for New Hampshire. To avoid this, the Senate amended HR 6532 to become effective upon passage, and ratified it by voice vote.
On July 18, HR 6532 was introduced to the Congressional House as a measure to prevent the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) shortfall in FY 2009. The bill would credit the HTF with the $8 billion in highway user fee revenue that was transferred to the General Fund in 1998 as part of TEA-21. Enacted, the bill would prevent all states from suffering a 34 percent reduction in federal highway funding in FY 2009. The House voted on July 23rd to approve HR 6532 by a vote of 387-37.
On Friday September 5th, the Federal Highway Administration announced a 30 to 40 percent cut in disbursements from the Highway Trust Fund in response to a decrease in the revenue that the Federal government receives. As a result of this cut and without HR 6532, New Hampshire would lose $52 million in the highway fund in fiscal year 2009. Concerned construction firms in the industry quickly contacted their Congressional Senators Gregg and Sununu to urge them to enact HR 6532 and to call on the President to sign the bill as soon as possible.
On Wednesday evening September 10th, the Senate passed the bill by voice vote. The bill was amended to allow the transfer of funds from the general fund to the Highway Fund immediately rather than on October 1st because the HTF does not have a sufficient balance to fully reimburse states for payments they have made on ongoing federal-aid highway contracts. The full House passed the bill with the amendment on Thursday September 11th. The legislation was moved to the President’s desk for his signature, and he signed it on September 15th. Now FHWA will resume reimbursing states on a daily basis for the full amount submitted.
The measure, while welcome, is only a temporary fix that will get the country though FY 2009. During that time, there needs to be developed and passed a long-term measure to create new sources of funding for the Highway Trust Fund. What will the new President’s strategy be? Barack Obama “calls for stronger infrastructure and the development of high-speed freight and passenger rail.” McCain’s plan would include an “offer of a $300 million prize to anyone who can develop a car battery that surpasses current technology.” (from “Paying for Roads,” Washington Post, 9/15/08) Either of these plans needs a lot more refinement and details to work its way through the next Congress.
A Safer Road to Tomorrow Launches New Website!
September 17th, 2008
A Safer Road to Tomorrow has launched its new and improved website. Navigation from the home page is now even more user friendly than ever. The new site, which was refurbished over the summer, boasts a new publications page that now lists all Safer Roads’ publications and makes the downloading of quarterly newsletters, calendars, and the DVD much easier. In addition, the Safer Roads DVD can now be played inside a player. The site features animated graphics and new information sections which include up-to-date statistics, pages with news links, an elected officials section, and a “contact us” page with a new form for individuals to use.
Safer Roads’ mission is to inform New Hampshire residents about the nature and scope of deficiencies in the state’s highways and bridges, and their immediate and long-term impact on public safety, the economy, and our quality of life. If people understand the transportation problems, then they can thoughtfully evaluate and contribute to effective solutions.
The new website facilitates the coalition’s mission of informing and motivating the public. The site makes easily accessible all of Safer Roads’ publications and media, the most up-to-date infrastructure facts, and links to important road, bridge, and project information. Once informed, visitors to the new site can access a page that helps them contact any and all of the state’s elected officials in order to voice their concerns. Visitors may also use the Safer Roads’ interactive page to ask a question or sign up to help raise public awareness of the state’s infrastructure needs.
