The article discusses the funding disparity between local and state-owned roads in the U.S., highlighting how local roads carry a significant percentage of vehicle miles but receive disproportionately low financial support. While local roads generate a substantial amount of tax revenue through gasoline taxes, states allocate only a small fraction to their maintenance and improvement. The poor condition of local roadways is evident, with 49% classified as being in poor condition versus just 7% for state roads. To correct this imbalance, the article advocates for direct federal funding to local governments.
The user-pay principle underscores the expectation that road users directly fund the transportation system through taxes, but local governments are not seeing a fair return on their contributions.
Analysis reveals a significant funding disparity where local roads, which account for 34% of vehicle miles, receive only 16% of state disbursements, worsening their condition compared to state roads.
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