Roads and bridges need action, not more talk

By Sioux City Journal

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Through property tax and education reform, the Iowa Legislature this year made important investments in the future of our state.

It fell short in making the necessary investment in roads and bridges. Kicking this issue down the road (no pun intended) must stop.

As we have said before, the transportation infrastructure challenges we face in Iowa are beyond dispute. According to the Department of Transportation, the annual deficit between road and bridge needs and the revenue available to meet them is almost $1.5 billion; for critical needs, more than $200 million.

If the state wishes to meet its fundamental obligation to provide safe roads and bridges and meet the need for a modern infrastructure system so key to economic success and growth, then it needs to provide more money.

What's the best way to do that?

Like the Governor's Transportation 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission and many Iowans from across the state, we have advocated for an increase in the gas tax, which ranks in the bottom third among states and hasn't been raised in nearly a quarter century.

The Legislature this year talked - again - about hiking the gas tax, but the issue didn't reach a vote in either chamber.

We have criticized Gov. Terry Branstad - who, due to his influence, arguably is the key figure in this debate - for lack of leadership and changing positions on this issue. This month, he changed again, floating the idea of using gambling profits or sales tax revenue for roads and bridges.

While we appreciate thinking outside the box within government and understand a desire to consider all funding possibilities, we have two big concerns about Branstad's proposal.

First, we question its reliability. The state's Road Use Tax Fund, into which all fuel-tax money is deposited, has for more than 60 years provided a stable, Constitution-protected source of revenue for transportation infrastructure needs in Iowa. Throwing appropriations for roads and bridges into the often-unpredictable mix of General Fund debate each year gives us pause.

Second, this is more talk at a time when action is needed.

While state leaders continue to talk, Iowa's transportation infrastructure needs continue to grow.