The FAST Act authorizes $95 million in grant funding over the next five years to assist states in sponsoring pilot programs to test the feasibility of alternative revenue mechanisms to help sustain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. A number of states have expressed an interest in testing the feasibility of vehicle miles traveled fees (mileage based user fees).
AGC of America believes it is important for states to continue to look at alternative revenue mechanisms given the difficulties associated with increasing the gas tax and some of the down sides of using the gas tax mechanism such as greater use of alternatively fueled vehicles and greater efficiency from gas powered vehicles.
FHWA announced last week that the first portion of funds in this program, $15 million, is now available to states. To assist states in applying for these funds, FHWA has scheduled a webinar to explain the rules. The webinar is available to the general public but you need to register in advance. This is a good opportunity for you to get inside information on this new grant program so that if your state is interested in pursuing a pilot program you will have a good understanding of what is involved in getting federal assistance.
Webinar details are as follows:
Friday, April 1, 2016
10:00 am
Live stream link
To participate follow the link to register in advance.