TRANSPORTATION FUNDING DELAYS COULD PUT OHIO ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECTS AT RISK

CELINA — A representative of the Associated General Contractors of America is warning that delays in approving a new federal transportation funding bill could postpone major road and bridge projects while increasing costs for taxpayers.

Brian Turmail joined Kevin Sandler on WCSM’s Spectrum to discuss the federal surface transportation bill, which provides money for improvements to highways, bridges and public transit systems across the country.

The current legislation is scheduled to expire September 30.

Turmail said the most likely outcome, should Congress fail to approve a new long-term bill by the deadline, would be a temporary extension lasting several weeks or months. While that would keep federal transportation money flowing, he said short-term extensions make it difficult for state and local officials to plan major projects.

Transportation planners need to know how much funding will be available before committing to projects such as replacing an aging bridge, adding a lane to a highway or rebuilding a dangerous intersection.

“If you don’t know how much money you’ve got to put into those road improvements over the next year, then you’re not going to budget for those projects,” Turmail told Sandler.

Instead, agencies may focus on smaller and less expensive projects, including basic repaving, while delaying larger improvements that could make commutes safer and reduce transportation costs.

Turmail said most projects already under construction would likely continue because money is normally secured before work begins. However, large and complicated projects scheduled over several years could experience delays. Those delays often cause projects to take longer and ultimately cost taxpayers more.

The uncertainty could also affect Ohio’s State Transportation Improvement Program, which outlines road, bridge and transit projects planned across the state.

Turmail said major projects could be pushed back until officials know how much federal money will be available. He added that delaying construction is particularly costly at a time when the prices of materials, fuel and labor have increased.

Congress is considering the Build America 250 Act, a five-year transportation proposal that Turmail said would provide steady funding for roads, bridges and transit projects.

The proposal would also establish a federal annual fee for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Turmail said those vehicles use the nation’s roads but contribute little or nothing to the federal Highway Trust Fund because their drivers purchase little or no gasoline.

The federal gasoline tax has not increased since 1993. Turmail said the proposed electric vehicle fee would likely be between $120 and $150 per year, an amount he described as comparable to what an average motorist pays annually in federal gasoline taxes.

Ohio already charges additional registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. The proposed federal fee would be separate from those state charges.

Turmail also cited polling that found 77 percent of Ohio voters want Congress to approve a new highway and transit bill before the September deadline. He said 69 percent support adding a federal electric vehicle fee to help fund road and bridge maintenance.

The condition of Ohio’s transportation system also creates direct expenses for motorists. Turmail said deteriorated and congested roads cost the average Ohio driver an estimated $628 annually through additional fuel use, tire wear, wheel alignments, shocks and other vehicle repairs.

During the interview, Turmail also called for changes to the federal permitting and review process. He said environmental and safety protections should remain in place, but argued that reviews taking five to eight years can dramatically increase the final cost of construction.

Transportation projects also provide a wider economic benefit, according to Turmail. Construction creates well-paying jobs while generating business for local hotels, restaurants, retailers, material suppliers and equipment companies.

Turmail said construction careers pay an average of 19 percent more than the average American job and often do not require workers to take on significant college debt.

More information about the transportation funding campaign is available at americasmovingforward.com. The website also allows residents to contact their members of Congress and ask them to approve a long-term transportation bill before the September 30 deadline.

The complete Spectrum interview with Kevin Sandler and Brian Turmail is available at wcsmradio.com.