Transportation issue will be good for Mo.

To the Editor:

Missourians are well aware of the fact our roads are deteriorating at an astonishing rate. With the highway system ranking 7th nationwide in size but 40th in funding it is not surprising they are in such disrepair. As a result of this mismatched funding, roads and bridges are crumbling and jeopardizing the lives of Missourians. Sixty five percent of our bridges are in fair or poor condition, 20,000 miles of road don't even have a shoulder, and the death rate on rural roads is almost twice the national average--these are not statistics to be proud of. MoDOT is managing and maintaining this system with a declining revenue stream. In response to funding scarcity MoDOT put together a program to provide an additional $500 million for maintenance and construction of our roads, by eliminating 1,200 jobs, closing 131 facilities, and selling 740 pieces of equipment--a temporary fix to a growing problem. The last revenue increase happened between 1992 and 1996 through gas tax funding, but since that time vehicles have become more fuel efficient, and more electric and hybrid vehicles are being used. This has led to a startling decrease in money for transportation, and with better fuel efficiency standards on the horizon gas taxes will only become a more obsolete funding source.

All these changes and savings are still not enough. On August 5th, the voters will get to decide on additional funding to improve our roads. Amendment 7 will be on the ballot requesting voters approve a 3/4 % sales tax for transportation. This will not tax fuel, prescription medicine, healthcare, utilities, or groceries--the necessities of life. Revenue from this amendment is expected to generate approximately $540 million per year, and the funding is constitutionally prevented from being spent on anything but transportation. Ninety percent of the funding goes directly to MoDOT and the remaining ten percent will be distributed to cities and counties for local transportation needs.

This transportation funding initiative is a good proposal for Missourians. It puts us in charge of funding our transportation infrastructure, and leaves Washington out of our business. As a Constitutional Amendment, future politicians cannot divert any of these funds. MoDOT held dozens of open houses so citizens could see where their money would go, and they altered the project lists based on public feedback--information is available at www.modot.gov. It is rare that voters actually get to see and approve where their money is going, and Amendment 7 offers that assurance.

Please join me in support of Amendment 7 on August 5th. Those voters who are totally opposed to additional taxes, I leave you with one thought . . . if you average $100 per week on taxable purchases through the year, you will have contributed about $40 toward transportation upgrades, that $40 won't replace a tire the next time you hit a pothole.

Thank you for your support of Amendment 7 on August 5th. More information on Amendment 7 is available at www.fixmoroads.com.

Stephen Bubanovich

Poplar Bluff, Mo.