What road to take

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Iowa already cannot meet many of its transportation infrastructure needs. Amy Reasner says things will get even worse if federal highway funding for states is cut 25 percent to 30 percent, up to

$100 million, because of the federal deficit problems.

Reasner's warning carries weight. The Cedar Rapids attorney chairs the Iowa Transportation Commission, governing arm of the Iowa Department of Transportation. The commission's new five-year improvement plan, at $2.3 billion, delays by a year new non-interstate construction plans because of the federal uncertainty.

Even after state registration fees were raised last year, the Iowa DOT projects that $215 million in additional revenue every year is needed just to catch up critical improvements and repair highways and bridges.

A safe, efficient transportation system to deliver people, services and commercial and agricultural products is vital to Iowa's future. It's painfully clear that this state must refigure its priorities and how to pay for them. Soon. This affects city and county streets and roads, too. We think adjusting the state gas tax rate, unchanged for 22 years, has to be a starting point.

What are your ideas, expectations? Tell your legislators. Or go to www.iowadot.gov, click on “News and Info,” then look for the Governor's Transportation 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission link for ways to give input.