Election dedicates $40 billion in new money to keep people and goods moving

Americans cast their vote on no less than 30 ballot initiatives designed to generate funds for transportation infrastructure improvements. Voters unmistakably said 'yes' to transportation funding, approving 23 measures calling for increased or extended taxes or bonds for transportation projects. That 77% approval represents growing public sentiment in favor of monies for transportation projects. In 2004, 76% of transportation ballot measures passed, providing $28 billion in new funding.

'The results reflect the American public's growing concern for the state of our transportation system,' said former DOT deputy secretary Mort Downey of PB Consult, a Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) member. 'Americans have voted for increased transportation funding, indicating that they are ready and willing to help pay for the much needed improvements.'

Transportation funding measures appeared on ballots in 14 states, stretching from California to Rhode Island. The overwhelming support for these measures indicates that American citizens recognize transportation as a major issue and are willing to invest in transportation's future. The Coalition believes Americans are ready for aggressive new funding mechanisms, such as a federal Freight Trust Fund, a dedicated fund to finance a growing backlog of goods movement projects.

A summary report on the state and local transportation ballot initiatives was prepared by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and can be accessed online at www.artba.org/ballot.