States taking action on fuel tax hikes to address infrastructure needs

摘要

When it comes to addressing the yawning infrastructure needs of this country, many state legislatures and governors are basically saying: "Who needs Washington? Let's do it ourselves." Absent a long-term highway funding mechanism and unwilling to raise the federal tax on fuel, Congress has voted 34 times to kick the can down the road with short-term funding "continuing resolutions" since 2005. The latest runs out October 29-and shippers shouldn't be surprised if they see another two-or three-month extension after that. As the Wall Street Journal deadpanned in a recent editorial: "The stature of Congress is rarely enhanced by highway bills, and this season is no exception."