HB 609 discussed in committee

The long-awaited public hearing on House Bill 609, regarding transportation infrastructure funding, took place in the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee meeting Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

While no vote was taken on the discussion-only measure, the bill received positive comments during testimony.

HB 609 would invest $268 million by 2019-20 for state infrastructure projects.

Kentucky counties would then be able to better fund their infrastructure and transportation needs.

The bill also benefits counties in that it would increase safety measures and keep Kentucky competitive with nearby states in regard to state taxes and fees on hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that currently don’t contribute to the road fund but still grace our roads at an increasing rate.

Representatives Sal Santoro and John Sims, Jr., primary co-sponsors of the bill, testified before the committee, answering questions and earning praise from committee members for their diligence in moving the bill along.

“I want to congratulate you all. This is a lot of hard work,” Rep. Jim Wayne said.

Juva Barber, executive director of Kentuckians for Better Transportation, also answered committee questions.

A telling number during their presentation was that Kentucky has a $1 billion maintenance and paving backlog.

Highlights include:

• An increase in the motor fuels tax by 10 cents (13 cents for diesel). This would amount to one dollar per week for the average driver, but it would raise $165 million a year for county and city road needs.
• Creation of a multi-modal transportation fund to help offset the loss of toll credit to the transit program, improve rail crossings, riverports and general aviation airports.
• An increase in road fund license and regulatory user fees. This will raise approximately $89 million per year.
• Implementation of a user fee on electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Counties and cities working together to modernize the revenue sharing programs.

The fate of the bill is uncertain at this time. However, the robust committee discussion and your continued contact with your legislators urging their support will keep this issue on the front burner in the waning days of the session.

The toll-free legislative message line is open for your calls: 800-372-7181.