BEFORE AND AFTER THE 1986 MOTOR-FUEL TAX INCREASE: AN ASSESSMENT OF COLORADO'S HIGHWAY REPAIR PROGRESS

This study examines the impact of Colorado's 1986 motor-fuel tax increase on the state's road systems and evaluates the need for increased funding over the next decade. Among the findings are the following: In 1986, Colorado's motor-fuel taxes were increased by 6 cents a gallon, to 18 cents for gasoline and 20.5 cents for diesel fuel. The increase generated more than $192 million in the first two years for road and bridge improvements across the state. However, in 1987, the Colorado state legislature eliminated the Noble Bill which had provided some $56 million in FY 1986 highway funds from the state's vehicle sales and use tax. This essentially wiped out 3 cents of the 6-cent motor-fuel tax increase. Still, the new revenues permitted the state Highway Department to increase its minor resurfacing (less than 1 inch overlay) by some 1,217 miles between FY 1985 and FY 1987. Major resurfacing was increased by 30.5 miles. Bridge rehabilitation revenues increased by $30.8 million in the first two years. The state received $8.3 million of that, making possible the replacement of at least five bridges and freeing up dollars for other bridge rehabilitation and maintenance work. Despite the improvements made possible by the 1986 motor-fuel tax increase, state roads and bridges continue to deteriorate and to grow more congested. The state needs to resurface or rehabilitate some 58% (5,335 miles) of the state highway system; correct 2,349 miles of roads with geometric design problems; improve capacity for 971 miles and rehabilitate or replace 750 bridges. It is recommended that Colorado spend $746 million a year for the next 13 years (through the year 2001) to make the necessary improvements.

• Corporate Authors:

  Road Information Program

  1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 314
  Washington, DC  United States  20036

  Colorado Contractors Association

  P.O. Box 22106
  Denver, CO  United States  80222
• Publication Date: 1988-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Costs; Estimates; Finance; Fuels; Highway maintenance; Maintenance; Maintenance management; Needs assessment; Recommendations; Taxation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge maintenance; Financial sources
• Geographic Terms: Colorado
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Economics; Energy; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Research; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00476824
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 31 1988 12:00AM