The American Road & Transportation Builders Association has devised a new approach to federal highway funding and is urging Congress to consider it when surface transportation programs are up for reauthorization in 2009.

ARTBA's approach identifies two priorities and proposes that each be funded in a different manner. The first priority is to upgrade and improve the “core” federal highway and public transportation programs. This would be financed through an increase in the federal motor fuels excise tax.

The second priority is the development of "Critical Commerce Corridors," which would be focused on adding new highway and intermodal capacity, inland waterway and seaport connectors, and upgraded border and gateway facilities. It would be financed with new and dedicated freight-related user fees.

"Separate funding mechanisms could allow us to avoid having existing infrastructure and new capacity competing for the same resources," said PHIA President Ron Drnevich. "It might prove fruitful to explore how we could devise a similar approach in Pennsylvania."

• To read the 72-page ARTBA report, go here.
• To read the 16-page executive summary, go here.