New York conference examines future transportation funding methods

The New York State Department of Transportation sponsored a seminar titled "Beyond the Gas Tax" the week of Oct. 6 to look at future options for financing surface transportation.

NYSDOT, in conjunction with a university transportation center, offered a half-day session to look at current finances and options of the future apart from fuel taxes. Topics included "The Federal Transportation Revenue Situation and How to Address It," "The Federal Revenue Situation and Options–A Prospective from the Financial Community" and "Tying Together Transportation and Energy Policy."

In her opening remarks, NYSDOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn emphasized the need for substantially increased spending but recognized the challenges in the current budget environment that states face. She further emphasized the challenges the transportation sector will face and the need to make the necessary investments for the future.

Emil Frankel, former Connecticut transportation commissioner and assistant secretary for transportation policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation, said in his keynote address that the nation needs to increase transportation investment while assuring greater accountability through performance measures. He pointed out the likelihood that states and the federal government will shift transportation revenue sources from gas taxes to user fees.