Sliding Economy Hammers State Transportation Projects

摘要

On the road to transportation funding, state departments of transportation are gripping the wheel and holding on for a bumpy ride. Decreasing revenue, a hazy future for the federal highway trust fund and a shaky lending market have led many state authorities to delay projects, rework deals and make deep cuts. The sluggish economy has hit many states, including Virginia, hard. Reduced revenue from fuel taxes and vehicle fees and Congress' authorization of only a portion of 2009 federal highway funds have contributed to the state's need to drastically reduce its program. In June, the Virginia Dept. of Transportation made $1.1 billion in cuts to its six-year construction program. Four months later, it announced that up to $2.6 billion in additional cuts would be made by January. In the latest round, VDOT estimates nearly $1 billion will come from the construction program. Officials expect maintenance also will be impacted and at least 900 full-time positions will be eliminated.