INNOVATIVE FINANCING METHODS FOR LOCAL ROADS IN THE MIDWEST AND MOUNTAIN-PLAINS STATES

The need for federal, state, and local road funding is a national problem. Due to changing trends, i.e., population shifts, changes in travel patterns, local governments have many challenges to overcome to maintain their extensive road networks. Typically, local governments have relied on fuel taxes, property taxes, vehicle registration fees, and mill levies to finance road maintenance and improvements. However, traditional funding sources are no longer adequate. There is a great need for counties to explore innovative methods that increase revenue and/or decrease costs. This study describes 8 innovative financing methods, e.g., rural improvement districts, and 14 cost reducing strategies, e.g., sharing equipment, that local governments in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming currently are using. County road officials identified these methods through a mail questionnaire and rated key criteria, e.g., ease of collection, etc. which should be used to evaluate each method before implementing them. Advantages and disadvantages to rural improvement districts/special assessment districts and the wheel tax are discussed in this report.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 40 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00744560
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Report No 97-74
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 19 1998 12:00AM