Kentucky lawmakers have yet to act on a state transportation budget.
While it remains an iffy proposition, Kentuckians for Better Transportation Director Jennifer Kirchner believes some type of gas tax increase will take place. “I’ve heard also a rebate discussed. If you were to pay the gas tax, you could keep your receipts and potentially get a refund on your tax returns,” said Kirchner.
KBT is a long-standing transportation advocacy organization. Kirchner said federal stimulus dollars alone would be more of a band aid and not offer the long-term funding stability of a gas tax increase. Kirchner noted a ten percent gas tax increase for someone who drives 15,000 miles annually would mean an additional $60 cost.
While much attention when it comes to transportation focuses on pavement, transportation advocates say don’t forget rail and riverport needs. Jennifer Kirchner said her group would like to see a multimodal fund established. “While we all can acknowledge that roads, big and small, are critical to every part of our economy and lives, we really believe too that a wholistic approach to transportation is important.”
Kentucky lawmakers are expected to pass a transportation budget bill when they return to Frankfort the end of this month.
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