Despite a 5-cent increase in the gasoline tax four years ago, funding for Utah's roads and bridges is falling critically behind needs, according to a study released Tuesday.
Prepared by The Road Information Program (TRIP), a Washington D.C. consulting firm, the study found that available revenues permit the Utah Department of Transportation to make only about one-third of the needed improvements to the state's highway infrastructure.The report said Utah needs about $2.5 billion over the next five years to improve substandard roads and bridges, but only $900 million is available, leaving a $1.6 billion shortfall. The report was released in advance of the upcoming Legislative session, but UDOT and other state officials at a press conference Tuesday denied that the report was presented as a pitch for a higher gas tax.
Stan Parrish, executive director of the Department of Community and Economic Development, said Utah's economic future depends to a large degree on its highway system.
The state's strategic geographic location makes it ideal for economic and tourism growth, but that growth is threatened, he said.
TRIP spokesman Jim Lewis said that while Utah's roads and bridges are generally "in pretty good condition compared to the rest of the country," the state's infrastructure suffers from an inadequate capacity.
In other words, population and traffic use are growing faster than the state's highway network. Lewis said that results in waste.
According to the TRIP study, an average motorist wastes $94 per year in fuel and vehicle wear and tear because of rough roads and wastes an additional $1,033 per year in lost time and gas while stuck in traffic.
The study was sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Utah, whose members would likely benefit from any large-scale infrastructure improvement program.
TRIP estimates that one-third - 1,878 miles - of state-maintained roads need to be resurfaced, reconstructed or widened, and that 75 bridges need to be repaired or replaced.
The study said that postponing the needed improvements would significantly increase costs, in some cases by as much as 400 percent.
In 1987, the Legislature increased the gasoline tax from 14 to 19 cents per gallon. TRIP said the additional revenues enabled the state to make a number of improvements, but "much remains to be done." Many of the roads in the state are reaching the end of their useful lifespan and will require enormous expenditures in the future.
Legislators are likely to discuss the state's infrastructure needs, but another increase in the gasoline tax is not considered a likely option this year.